New Jersey Assembly Bill A5697

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/20/23
• Refer: 11/20/23

Caption

Establishes School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program in DEP to provide proportional awards to eligible schools based on pro rata share of plastics collected, by each school, for upcycling purposes; appropriates $5 million.

Impact

The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to oversee the program, which will run for an initial three-year pilot phase. Funding will be allocated to schools based on their respective contributions to plastic collection, allowing for equitable distribution of resources and ensuring that schools with higher engagement receive more financial support. This initiative is anticipated to significantly impact New Jersey's plastic waste management efforts and fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship through educational institutions.

Summary

A5697, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, establishes the School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program, aimed at encouraging schools to engage in the collection and upcycling of plastics. The program is designed to allocate funding proportional to the volume of plastics collected by participating schools, with a total amount of $5 million appropriated from the General Fund to support grants. It is intended to provide financial resources for schools to purchase appropriate furnishings produced from upcycled plastics, thus promoting environmental sustainability while also enhancing educational environments.

Contention

Although the program aims to bring positive environmental changes, it could face debates around funding allocations and the administrative burden that may accompany the grant application process. Critics may raise concerns about the potential for inequities among schools that may have differing abilities to collect plastics or difficulties in applying for grants. Additionally, there might be discussions about the effectiveness of upcycling efforts in genuinely reducing plastic waste and what monitoring or evaluation mechanisms would be implemented to ensure accountability and sustainability of the program outcomes.