New Jersey law
Environmental Laws in New Jersey.
New Jersey environmental law is administered through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). New Jersey has some of the most stringent state-level environmental programs in the U.S. The Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act, N.J.S.A. 58:10-23.11 et seq.) is a major state-level CERCLA-analog imposing strict liability for hazardous-substance discharges. The Industrial Site Recovery Act (ISRA) requires environmental review and remediation before transfer of industrial properties. New Jersey also has a strong public-participation framework (EJ Law requires environmental-justice analysis for specified permits in overburdened communities).
Last verified: 2026-04-17
State law
Key New Jersey Statutes
New Jersey's state-level CERCLA analog. Imposes strict liability for discharge of hazardous substances. Broader than federal CERCLA (covers petroleum, which CERCLA excludes). Joint and several liability with contribution rights.
Requires environmental review and (if necessary) remediation before transfer of ownership or operations of an industrial establishment. Transactional trigger unique to NJ (formerly ECRA).
Established the Licensed Site Remediation Professional (LSRP) program. Contaminated-site cleanups are overseen by LSRPs rather than NJDEP case managers in most circumstances.
Requires NJDEP to evaluate environmental and public-health impacts on overburdened communities before issuing permits for specified facilities. Denial permitted if permit would cause or contribute to disproportionate cumulative impacts.
Authorizes NJDEP to administer NPDES permitting and state water-quality programs under delegated CWA authority.
Authorizes NJDEP to administer air quality programs including permitting under delegated CAA authority.
State law
Official Sources
Not Legal Advice
This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.
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