New Jersey Proposes to Exit Climate Carbon Trading Program
Official: A 4819 — Withdraws New Jersey's participation in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; repeals "Global Warming Response Act" and related sections of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative implementing law.
Reading: The bill terminates New Jersey's participation in RGGI and repeals the Global Warming Response Act and related implementing sections, eliminating existing climate/emissions policy.
This is a significant reversal of the state's climate commitments and would eliminate major environmental protections.
In clear language
This bill would withdraw New Jersey from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state program that limits carbon emissions through a cap-and-trade system. It would also repeal the Global Warming Response Act, which is New Jersey's main climate change law. This is a significant reversal of the state's climate commitments and would eliminate major environmental protections.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- All New Jersey residents who could face higher electricity costs without the RGGI carbon pricing mechanism
- Businesses in the renewable energy and clean tech sectors that depend on state climate policies
- Low-income and vulnerable communities that benefit from RGGI revenue programs
- Future generations affected by increased greenhouse gas emissions
- Neighboring states that participate in RGGI and rely on coordinated regional action
What can you do?
- Contact your state representative and senator to voice your position on this bill before it receives a vote
- Learn more about RGGI and climate policy at njleg.state.nj.us and stay informed as the bill progresses through committee
- Join or support environmental organizations working on New Jersey climate issues to amplify your voice
Timeline
- 2026-05-04: Bill introduced and referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- NJ LegislatureOct 8, 2026Classifying Greenhouse Gases as Air Pollutants in New Jersey
This bill declares that greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change and harm public health and safety. It updates New Jersey's Air Pollution Control Act to treat greenhouse gases the same as other air pollutants that the state can regulate. This legal change would allow New Jersey to set and enforce rules to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- NJ LegislatureSep 10, 2026Plan to Pause New Jersey's Climate Program and Add a Fee on Power Plants
This bill would pause New Jersey's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state program that puts a price on carbon emissions from power plants to reduce pollution. In its place, the bill creates a temporary fee on energy generation units in New Jersey. The bill was introduced in the Assembly in September 2026 but has not yet been voted on.
- NJ LegislatureMar 23, 2026New Jersey Statement Against Federal Rules Weakening Vehicle Emission Standards
New Jersey is taking an official stand against federal Environmental Protection Agency rules that would weaken or eliminate requirements for vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The state is condemning the EPA's decision to rescind its finding that greenhouse gases are dangerous to the environment and to eliminate emission standards for cars, trucks, and heavy-duty vehicles. This resolution expresses New Jersey's opposition to these federal actions.
- NJ LegislatureFeb 12, 2026Require Big Businesses to Report Their Pollution
This New Jersey bill requires certain large businesses to publicly report how much greenhouse gas pollution they produce each year. The goal is to make companies more accountable for their environmental impact by making their emissions data transparent to the public. This helps residents and policymakers understand which companies are biggest contributors to climate change.