The proposed "Energy Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships Program" bill in New Jersey aims to enhance the state's energy infrastructure through public-private partnerships (P3s). It amends existing laws related to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, allowing energy contracts under the "Public School Contracts Law" and "Local Public Contracts Law" for terms of up to 25 years. The bill emphasizes the importance of reliable energy resources, particularly in light of aging infrastructure and the need to decarbonize the energy sector. It establishes a framework for P3 agreements, enabling public entities to collaborate with private entities on energy projects while bypassing certain public bidding requirements if a competitive solicitation process is followed.

Additionally, the bill introduces new financing programs, including the "Interim Energy Financing Program Fund" and the "Energy Infrastructure Financing Program," which will provide loans and financial assistance for energy-related projects. It mandates the creation of an Energy Project Priority List to rank projects seeking financing and ensures that funds for energy projects are kept separate from those for other infrastructure projects. The legislation also includes provisions for worker protections, such as prevailing wage requirements, and allows for contracts of up to 25 years for the sale of electricity or thermal energy produced by specific facilities. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the development of energy projects while ensuring compliance with labor standards and financial accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 58:11B-2, 58:11B-3, 58:11B-4, 58:11B-5, 58:11B-6, 58:11B-7, 58:11B-9, 58:11B-13, 58:11B-14, 58:11B-15, 58:11B-17, 58:11B-18, 58:11B-19, 58:11B-23, 58:11B-25, 58:11B-27, 40A:11-15