The bill amends Section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51) to establish targets for roadside solar projects within New Jersey's solar energy incentive program. It introduces a new definition for "Commissioner," specifying it refers to the Commissioner of Transportation, and clarifies terms related to energy generation, such as "community solar facility" and "contaminated site or landfill." These changes aim to enhance the integration of solar energy projects along roadways, promoting renewable energy generation and aligning with the state's energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

Additionally, the bill amends the SREC-II program to include incentives for solar energy projects located on roadside right-of-way areas, allowing project owners to qualify for solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is tasked with establishing criteria for these developments, which will be evaluated based on their impact on traffic and emissions. The bill emphasizes the importance of minimizing environmental impacts and mandates tracking the use of prime agricultural soils for solar energy production, supporting New Jersey's clean energy goals as outlined in the 2019 Energy Master Plan, which aims for 100% clean energy by 2050.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48:3-51, 48:3-116, 48:3-117, 48:3-119, 48:3-120