Establishes abandoned mine reclamation programs and funding in DOT and DEP.
S4142 establishes two parallel abandoned mine reclamation programs in New Jersey: one in the Department of Transportation (DOT) focused on transportation and public utility infrastructure, and one in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) focused on environmental infrastructure and water quality impacts. Each department must develop a reclamation plan for abandoned mines that may threaten the state, including comprehensive mapping, identification of the highest-risk sites, a ranked list of reclamation projects with cost estimates, ownership information, and a recommended course of action. The bill defines abandoned mines broadly and authorizes the departments to investigate and plan for reclamation of mines, mine voids, and related subsidence hazards.
The bill also creates two special, nonlapsing funds: the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Transportation and Utility Protection Program Fund in DOT and the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Environment Protection Program Fund in DEP. These funds may receive federal grants, legislative appropriations, gifts, donations, and investment earnings, and are dedicated to financing reclamation projects and program administration. Each department must also establish a grant program to distribute money from its fund to project sponsors, with rules for eligibility, application procedures, prioritization, eligible costs, award terms, and reporting requirements.
The bill would add new statutory programs to Titles 13 and 27 of the Revised Statutes and require DOT and DEP to adopt implementing regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. It expands state authority to enter private property, with notice requirements, for exploratory work and reclamation activities related to abandoned mines, while specifying that such entry is an exercise of police power and not condemnation or trespass. It also places new planning, mapping, funding, and grant-administration responsibilities on both departments and creates dedicated funding streams for mine reclamation efforts.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive and problem-solving rather than contentious. The legislation is framed as a public safety, infrastructure protection, and environmental protection measure, with an emphasis on coordinating state agencies and securing federal funding. No recorded opposition, amendments, or vote history is provided here to indicate division.
The main potential points of contention are the bill’s property-access provisions and the scope of state authority to enter private land for surveys and reclamation work. Although the bill requires advance notice, reasonable accommodations, and attempts to obtain owner permission, it still allows entry over objection or when owners are unknown or unavailable, which could raise concerns among property owners about privacy, access, and state power. Another possible issue is funding: the bill creates dedicated funds and grant programs but does not specify a new revenue source, so implementation may depend on appropriations, federal grants, or donations.