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
If enacted, A3633 will have a significant impact on sustainability efforts in New Jersey schools by encouraging plastic recycling practices among students and staff. Schools will be incentivized to engage in collection activities, which aligns with broader state goals of reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental responsibility. The funding formula will ensure that schools receive grants proportional to their contribution of collected plastics, potentially leading to enhanced environmental education and community involvement.
Summary
Assembly Bill A3633 aims to establish a School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program under the oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in New Jersey. This program is designed to provide annual grant funding to eligible schools based on the amount of plastics they collect for upcycling. The bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund for this program, which will allow schools to purchase furnishings made from recycled plastics over an initial pilot period of three years. After this pilot, the program's continuation will depend on the availability of funds and a report by the commissioner evaluating its effectiveness.
Contention
Despite its positive intentions, there are potential points of contention surrounding the bill. Critics may argue that reliance on fluctuating grant funding could lead to inconsistencies in program effectiveness, especially if schools are unable to secure necessary funds in future years to continue their participation. Additionally, the contingent nature of the funding—dependent on the volume of plastics collected—could disadvantage schools in lower-income areas that may not be able to collect as much material. These points necessitate a discussion on equitable access to grant opportunities and the long-term viability of the program beyond the initial funding cycle.
Same As
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.
Carry Over
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.
Carry Over
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.
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.
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.
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.
Revises NJ Farm to School Program to require schools to purchase locally grown produce and fruit when available and establishes grant program; appropriates $2.5 million.
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.
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.
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.
Department of Administration director of grants management and oversight position established, standards related to grantmaking and grants management practices required, and reports required.
Position of grants management and oversight established within the Department of Administration, standards related to grantmaking and grants management practices required, and reports required.