ASSEMBLY AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2126

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 22, 2021

      The Assembly Agriculture Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2126.

      This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a program that encourages the owner or operator of a closed landfill to transform the landfill into habitat that supports animal pollinators using native plants where possible.  The department is also required to create guidelines and best practices for establishing and maintaining pollinator habitat on closed landfills no later than six months following the effective date of this act.  Furthermore, the department is required to seek and encourage corporate sponsorship and non-profit partnerships for the creation and maintenance of pollinator habitat on closed landfills.

      As defined in the bill, “animal pollinator” means any bee, butterfly, moth, wasp, fly, beetle, ant, hummingbird, bat, or animal that is known to pollinate plants. Further, “closed landfill” means any legacy landfill or closed sanitary landfill facility.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.