ASSEMBLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR

ASSEMBLY, No. 2403

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 4, 2026

      The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee reports favorably an Assembly Committee Substitute for Assembly Bill No. 2403.

      As reported, the substitute directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt rules and regulations to incorporate roadside right-of-way solar energy projects (projects) within the BPU’s solar incentive programs.  The BPU is to incentivize the construction, installation, and operation of projects that are connected to the distribution or transmission system owned or operated by an electric public utility; and located on roadside rights-of-way owned by State or local government units.  The BPU is authorized to consult with the Commissioner of Transportation and Commissioner of Environmental Protection in adopting rules and regulations under the substitute.  To the extent possible, these rules and regulations are to include, among other provisions outlined in the substitute:  project capacity limits, annual capacity targets, siting restrictions, emissions offset criteria, project criteria, project evaluation standards, installation and decommissioning procedures, application criteria, and standards to minimize traffic disruption, safety obstructions, and other land use impacts.  Finally, the substitute provides that a project incentivized by the BPU is to be a permitted use within every municipality in the State.