"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
Impact
The bill seeks to address the deteriorating state of New Jersey's water resources, which are crucial for both public health and environmental sustainability. It acknowledges the pressing need for repairing aged water infrastructure, the threat posed by lead in drinking water, and the insufficient funding levels for necessary upgrades. By establishing a dedicated funding stream, the legislation anticipates enhancing water supply reliability and quality, ultimately fostering community well-being and supporting economic growth.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3154, known as the 'Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act', aims to establish a sustainable funding source for state water quality and infrastructure projects through user fees associated with water consumption and diversion. Specifically, a fee of $0.40 per 1,000 gallons of water will be imposed on water delivered by public community water systems and diverted for consumptive use. The generated revenue will be allocated to the Water Resources Protection Trust Fund, administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will oversee financing for various water-related initiatives.
Contention
Debate surrounding A3154 centers on the implications of introducing new user fees. Proponents argue that the fees are essential for securing a consistent revenue source for water infrastructure improvements and protecting vital water resources. However, opponents express concern that such fees may disproportionately affect low-income households, potentially discouraging water conservation efforts. Additionally, there are worries about the administrative execution of the fund, specifically how efficiently the DEP will manage and allocate resources to prioritized projects.
Final_note
If passed, the act mandates an annual report to the Legislature detailing the fund's financial activities, project statuses, and any unforeseen challenges. It is designed to instill a proactive approach towards water resource management in a state that ranks as the most densely populated in the U.S.
Same As
"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.
Directs DEP to develop State water infrastructure investment plan; requires NJ Infrastructure Bank to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects; appropriates $200,000 to NJ Infrastructure Bank.
Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.
Directs DEP to develop State water infrastructure investment plan; requires NJ Infrastructure Bank to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects; appropriates $200,000 to NJ Infrastructure Bank.
"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
"Water Resources Protection Trust Fund Act"; establishes user fee on water consumption and diversion; utilizes fee revenue for water quality, supply, and infrastructure projects.
Establishes Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; imposes per-kilowatt hour charge on electric energy consumption to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects.
Establishes Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; imposes per-kilowatt hour charge on electric energy consumption to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects.
Establishes "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program"; amends law concerning NJ infrastructure Bank; and authorizes certain energy contracts under "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" up to 25 years.