ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT, NATURAL RESOURCES, AND SOLID WASTE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2308

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 10, 2025

      The Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2308.

      This bill, as amended by the committee, would require the State Capitol Joint Management Commission (commission) to prepare, adopt, and implement an environmental sustainability plan for the State House Capitol Complex.

      The commission would be required to adopt an environmental sustainability plan that includes energy savings and efficiency upgrades, water conservation techniques, applicable principles set forth by the United States Green Building Council, the involvement of food services, the consideration of methods to reduce the carbon emissions and minimize the State’s “carbon footprint,” the establishment of performance measures to be reported annually and made available on the Internet websites of the Governor and Legislature, and an estimate of any expenditure increases.

      This bill also would amend current law to ensure that the commission considers environmentally sustainable options with respect to contracting and the management and operation of the State House Capitol Complex. The environmental sustainability plan would be revised as necessary at least every four years and an advisory committee of experts in environmental sustainability would be appointed to assist the commission.

      As amended and reported by the committee, Assembly Bill No. 2308 is identical to Senate Bill No. 199 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments to the bill:

      (1)  replace a reference to "biodegradable or bioplastic utensils" with "compostable utensils"; and

      (2)  make a technical change to the bill.