SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3399

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 20, 2024

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 3399.

      This bill, as amended by the committee, would require the owner of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures to remove and recycle the facility and structures and any related equipment or infrastructure after the termination of their use.  The bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules and regulations for the removal and recycling of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures.  The rules and regulations would require recyclers to securely store any toxic components of solar panels that cannot be safely recycled until a viable and safe method of recycling the components is approved by the DEP.  Any person found to have violated the provisions of this bill, or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amendments to the bill would:

      (1) provide that the DEP's rules and regulations require recyclers to securely store any toxic components of solar panels that cannot be safely recycled until a viable and safe method of recycling the components is approved by the department; and

      (2) require the DEP to engage in a public stakeholder process and consider similar end-of-life recycling requirements and programs from other states when it develops the rules and regulations to implement the bill.