Bill Text: NJ S4162 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Amended

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Bill Title: Establishes NJ Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University, appropriates up to $500,000.*

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 13-0)

Status: (Passed) 2020-01-21 - Approved P.L.2019, c.442. [S4162 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2018-S4162-Amended.html

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[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 4162

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

218th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED NOVEMBER 7, 2019

 

 

Sponsored by:

Senator  BOB SMITH

District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Establishes NJ Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers University; appropriates up to $500,000.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As reported by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on December 9, 2019, with amendments.

  

An Act establishing the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, supplementing chapter 65 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, and making an appropriation.

 

     Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    a.  There is established the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center, hereinafter referred to as the center, at Rutgers, The State University.  The purpose of the center shall be to carry out interdisciplinary research activities that will help New Jersey adapt and prepare for climate change. 

     b.    The center shall conduct research with a mission to create and support the use of impartial and actionable science to advance government, public, private, and nongovernmental sector efforts to adapt to a changing climate.  The center's research shall include, but need not be limited to:

     (1)   conducting a Statewide climate change vulnerability assessment to identify populations, built and natural assets, and communities that are most vulnerable to a changing climate;

     (2)   ¹facilitating and¹ coordinating ¹[applied research] , to the greatest extent possible,¹ among ¹New Jersey¹ academic institutions ¹[to ensure efficient and effective delivery of findings to inform] collaborative applied research, development of educational programs, and Statewide integration of research findings into¹ adaptation and resilience efforts ¹[in the State]¹ ;

     (3)   forming partnerships with practitioners in key economic sectors that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, including agriculture, public health, water resources, and the built and natural environment;

     (4)   undertaking actionable science that informs planning and policy-making at the local, State, and regional levels;

     (5)   developing and delivering technical guidance to practitioners to enhance adaptation and resilience in the public, private, and nongovernmental sectors;

     (6)   undertaking pilot projects that can be replicable throughout the State and that reduce the risks facing populations most vulnerable to climate change; and

     (7)   enhancing the State's capacity to address climate risks and impacts through outreach training, engagement, and education of policymakers, practitioners, the media, and other key stakeholders. 

     c.     Within two years after the effective date of this section, the center shall provide a report to the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), summarizing its research and activities and identifying priorities for the next five years, including any additional resource needs. 

 

     2.    There is appropriated from the General Fund to the New Jersey Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers, The State University, ¹[$2 million] an amount not to exceed $500,000 to reimburse the center for costs incurred based on receipts submitted by the center to the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting¹ for the purposes provided in section 1 of this act.

 

     3.  This act shall take effect immediately.