ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 161

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 3, 2016

      The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 161.

      This concurrent resolution, as amended by the committee, establishes the “Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure” to study and make recommendations concerning issues related to drinking water infrastructure in New Jersey.  The task force is charged with identifying both short-term and long-term solutions and making recommendations to address the quality and condition of drinking water infrastructure in the State.  In conducting its business, the task force is directed to call upon the Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Trust, the Division of Water in the Board of Public Utilities, and representatives of investor-owned and government-owned water utilities to offer their respective expertise and experience concerning the condition of the State’s drinking water infrastructure, and what improvements are necessary to ensure a safe drinking water supply.  The task force is also directed to call upon individuals in the academic community and representatives of the environmental community with expertise, knowledge, or experience in issues facing the State’s drinking water supply and infrastructure.  In addition, the task force is directed to investigate the steps other states are taking to address drinking water infrastructure issues and any funding mechanisms used to finance needed improvements, repairs, and updates.

      The task force is to be composed of six members:  three members of the Senate appointed by the Senate President, and three members of the General Assembly appointed by the Speaker.

      Within six months after the date the task force organizes, it is directed to prepare and submit a report containing its findings and recommendations, including any proposals for legislation and other appropriate legislative or regulatory action.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amendments to the bill direct the task force, in conducting its business, to also call upon representatives of investor-owned and government-owned water utilities to offer their respective expertise and experience concerning the condition of the State’s drinking water infrastructure, and what improvements are necessary to ensure a safe drinking water supply.