SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3539

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 9, 2021

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reports Senate Bill No. 3539.

      This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a grant program for local government units to support the development and maintenance of pollinator friendly community gardens in the State, in order to provide readily available sources of fresh, healthy foods to communities that may lack easy access to affordable fruits and vegetables, and support the State's population of pollinating animals.  The local government unit would be required to partner with a nonprofit organization in order to develop and maintain the community garden.  Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature.