New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3065

Introduced
4/8/24  
Refer
4/8/24  

Caption

Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

Impact

The proposed changes would effectively protect specific categories of land from being utilized for affordable housing, including those that are environmentally sensitive and subject to regulations by state or federal agencies. By excluding these lands from housing development considerations, the bill aims to reinforce existing environmental conservation efforts and promote responsible land use. Municipalities would consequently not be obligated to consider these protected lands in their calculations for housing availability, potentially reducing the pressure to develop on sensitive lands.

Summary

Senate Bill S3065 seeks to amend P.L.1995, c.231, specifically relating to the designation of land as available for affordable housing construction. The bill stipulates that certain environmentally sensitive and flood-prone lands cannot be designated as available for such construction. This legislative measure aims to safeguard environmentally vulnerable areas against overdevelopment, ensuring that housing initiatives do not compromise ecological integrity and public safety in flood-prone regions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB S3065 appears to be positive among environmentalists and advocates for sustainable development who support the bill's intention to prevent inappropriate construction on vulnerable lands. However, there may be contention from housing advocates who argue that any constraints on land development can exacerbate housing shortages. This tension indicates a dynamic debate about balancing housing needs with environmental sustainability.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding S3065 may raise questions about the trade-offs between necessary housing development and the protection of critical natural resources. Critics might argue that while the intention to protect the environment is commendable, it could also restrict opportunities for affordable housing in a state facing significant housing challenges. As such, the bill may invoke dialogues around alternative solutions to balancing housing needs with environmental protection.

Companion Bills

NJ A4145

Same As Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4145

Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction.

NJ S2085

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ A968

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ S601

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ A246

Authorizes municipal challenge to non-redevelopment housing projects ordered by COAH unless order is based on exclusionary zoning; excludes flood-prone land from affordable housing vacant land analysis; provides housing obligation cap.

NJ S859

Concerns calculation of municipal affordable housing obligations.

NJ S2442

Concerns calculation of municipal affordable housing obligations.

NJ A306

Establishes process to exempt municipality from certain fair share affordable housing obligations based on flood risk.

NJ A4848

Establishes process to exempt municipality from certain fair share affordable housing obligations based on flood risk.

NJ A5318

Reduces term of affordability required for affordable housing created through middle housing construction or conversion.

Similar Bills

CA SB720

Environmental education: environmental principles and concepts.

CA AB1288

Registered environmental health specialists.

IL HB2521

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ACT

CA SB424

The California Regional Environmental Education Community Network.

CA AB649

Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery: Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Relations.

MI HB4961

Education: curriculum; environmental literacy task force to develop environmental literacy model curriculum and report on the curriculum; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1 - 380.1852) by adding sec. 1159.

AZ HB2681

Environmental justice; task force

HI SB1277

Relating To Environmental Justice Mapping.