This bill amends existing laws regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions monitoring and reporting in New Jersey, specifically targeting the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Key changes include the expansion of the definition of "greenhouse gas" to encompass nitrogen oxides and hydrogen, and the requirement for the DEP to calculate and report the global warming potential of GHG emissions from significant sources using a 20-year time horizon. Additionally, the bill mandates that annual GHG reports be published within six months after the end of the calendar year, and it emphasizes the need for monitoring progress towards the 2030 emissions objective established by Executive Order No. 274.

Furthermore, the bill requires significant emitters of indirect greenhouse gases, such as hydrogen, to report their emissions to the DEP and mandates the DEP to contract with a satellite data provider to enhance GHG emissions reporting. It also clarifies that while state agencies may report global warming potentials using a 100-year time horizon when required by federal law or international treaty, they must also present these figures in terms of a 20-year time horizon. Lastly, any studies or assessments related to GHG emissions conducted by state agencies must include methane and nitrous oxide emissions, as well as fugitive emissions and leakages.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2C-39, 26:2C-41, 26:2C-59