The proposed bill establishes a comprehensive program within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) aimed at reducing air pollution emissions from high-traffic facilities. It mandates that certain regulated facilities—defined as those with 100,000 square feet or more of business area, those located in overburdened communities with at least 50,000 square feet, or those generating 50 or more truck trips per day—must obtain an indirect source air pollution permit from the DEP. The bill emphasizes that newly constructed regulated facilities cannot commence operations without this permit, which will require the implementation of annual air pollution mitigation measures to achieve a goal of zero air pollution emissions by 2050.

To ensure compliance, the bill introduces a points-based system for air pollution mitigation strategies, including the use of battery-electric trucks and solar power generation. It also outlines civil administrative penalties ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for violations, with ongoing violations incurring additional daily penalties of up to $20,000. The DEP is responsible for conducting annual inspections and monitoring, particularly in overburdened communities, and must provide public notice of permit applications while maintaining an accessible online database of regulated facilities and their compliance status. The bill aims to address the disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities while promoting cleaner operational practices in high-traffic facilities.