New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey A4688: Biomass, solar, and wind energy systems-concerns certain farmland
Status: Passed one chamber, October 29, 2026
Excludes biomass, solar, and wind energy systems located on rooftops or exception areas from certain size restrictions and approval requirements applicable to preserved farmland.*
What the bill says
An Act concerning biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on preserved farmland and amending P.L.2009, c.213.
From the amended text, October 5, 2026:
An Act concerning biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on preserved farmland and amending P.L.2009, c.213. Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Section 1 of P.L.2009, c.213 (C.4:1C-32.4) is amended to read as follows: 1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation to the contrary, a person who owns preserved farmland may construct, install, and operate biomass, solar, or wind energy generation facilities, structures, and equipment on the farm, whether on the preserved portion of the farm or on any portion excluded from preservation, for the purpose of generating power or heat, and may make improvements to any agricultural, horticultural, residential, or other building or structure on the land for that purpose, provided that the biomass, solar, or wind energy generation facilities, structures, and equipment: (1) do not interfere significantly with the use of the land for agricultural or horticultural production, as determined by the committee; (2) are owned 2 [ADDED: or leased] 2 by the landowner, or will be owned by the landowner upon the conclusion of the term of an agreement 2[with the installer of the biomass, solar, or wind energy generation facilities, structures, or equipment by which the landowner uses the income or credits realized from the biomass, solar, or wind energy generation to purchase the facilities, …
Sponsors
- David Bailey, Jr. (D, 3) · primary sponsor
- Andrea Katz (D, 8) · primary sponsor
- Robert J. Karabinchak (D, 18) · primary sponsor
- Roy Freiman (D, 16)
- Shama A. Haider (D, 37)
Latest actions
- : PA (75-1-0)
- : REP/ACA 2RA
- : REP/ACA REF ATU
- : INT 1RA REF AAN
Votes
- 3RDG FINAL PASSAGE - Biomass, solar, and wind energy systems-concerns certain farmland (October 29, 2026): 75 yea, 1 nay, passed
- Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee: Reported with committee amendments (Aca) (October 5, 2026): 10 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee: Reported with committee amendments (Aca) (May 4, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: AGRICULTURE - FARMLAND PRESERVATION, ENERGY
Common questions
- What is A4688?
- A4688 is a bill in the New Jersey Legislature (2026-2027 Regular Session): Biomass, solar, and wind energy systems-concerns certain farmland.
- What does A4688 do?
- In its own words: An Act concerning biomass, solar, and wind energy systems on preserved farmland and amending P.L.2009, c.213.
- What is the status of A4688?
- Passed one chamber as of October 29, 2026. Latest action: PA (75-1-0) (October 29, 2026).
- Who sponsored A4688?
- David Bailey, Jr. (D, 3), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for A4688?
- On the New Jersey Legislature website: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/A4688
Source: official New Jersey record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.