This bill amends the New Jersey Endangered Plant Species List Act to redefine "endangered species" to include any plant species that is either federally designated as endangered or threatened, believed to be rare globally, or has five or fewer extant populations in the state, provided it is not classified as an invasive species. Additionally, the bill introduces a definition for "invasive species," describing it as any plant with a high potential to become noxious or likely to spread in a way that could harm the environment, economy, or human health.

Furthermore, the bill empowers the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to remove any invasive plant from the endangered species list unless it is also listed federally. It also grants the DEP the authority to control or eliminate invasive plant species without regard to the presence of endangered plants in the area, subject to federal regulations. This legislative change aims to enhance the management of plant species in New Jersey by addressing the threats posed by invasive species while protecting endangered plants.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1B-15.153, 13:1B-15.154