The "Vegetation Management Response Act" is designed to improve the management of vegetation around electric public utility infrastructure in New Jersey, particularly in light of damage from severe weather events. The bill empowers electric public utilities to maintain, remove, and replace dangerous vegetation that may disrupt electricity transmission and distribution. It requires utilities to notify affected customers and local government entities about planned vegetation management activities, ensuring adequate notice is provided before any work begins. The legislation also clarifies that utilities can perform necessary vegetation management without interference from the Community Forestry Council and local shade tree commissions.

Additionally, the bill introduces a replacement assessment for individuals or entities that violate municipal ordinances by removing or destroying trees, with the assessment based on the tree's value as determined by a trained forester or a specific formula. It emphasizes that public utilities and cable television companies are not exempt from penalties for non-compliance with commission regulations that do not interfere with their vegetation management efforts. The legislation also protects utilities acting in good faith and with due diligence in their vegetation management from facing undue penalties or hardships from local governing bodies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1L-17.5