New Jersey Assembly Bill A5123

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

Limits speculative development of large warehouses until 500,000 acres of farmland are preserved under farmland preservation programs.

Impact

The implementation of A5123 would enforce a pause on warehouse developments deemed speculative—those without secured tenants or buyers—until the designated acres of farmland are preserved. This means that local governments and approving authorities would not be able to consider applications for new large warehouse developments, potentially impacting the logistics and e-commerce sectors which frequently seek to establish warehouse facilities. Moreover, as New Jersey continues to confront urban sprawl and environmental degradation, this bill is designed to safeguard agricultural land and promote better land use practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5123 aims to limit speculative development of large warehouses on active farmland in New Jersey until a significant milestone is reached regarding farmland preservation. Specifically, the bill prohibits any approvals for such developments until the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) catalogs 500,000 acres of farmland preserved under state programs. This legislative measure reflects ongoing concerns about balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and agricultural viability.

Contention

Debates surrounding A5123 could center on the tension between economic growth and environmental preservation. Supporters argue that it provides essential protections for farmland and helps ensure the state's agricultural future. Critics, however, may raise concerns about stifling economic opportunities, particularly in the logistics and warehousing industries, which are crucial to job creation in the region. The bill's requirement for preserved farmland may lead to contentious discussions about the feasibility and speed of meeting the 500,000-acre milestone, which stands at about 248,009 acres as of early 2023.