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 establishes the Energy P3 Program and the Energy Infrastructure Financing Program within the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB), focusing on fostering energy-related projects that minimize public capital investments while leveraging private sector resources. The bill outlines the roles of P3 eligible entities, which include state agencies and municipalities, allowing them to enter agreements with private entities without the usual public bidding requirements, provided they follow established solicitation procedures. It also mandates that all construction workers on these projects receive prevailing wages and allows for project labor agreements to promote local employment.

Additionally, the bill amends existing legislation to expand the NJIB's mission to include energy projects, ensuring that funds for energy initiatives are kept separate from those for transportation and environmental projects. It introduces an interim financing program and establishes an Energy Loan Origination Fee Fund to support energy-related projects. The bill clarifies that energy-related projects are essential public functions, exempting certain components from property taxation and special assessments, and allows contracts for the sale of electricity or thermal energy produced by specific facilities to extend up to 25 years. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the development of energy infrastructure 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