A bipartisan bill sponsored by Senators Latham Tiver and Bob Smith would allow certain renewable energy systems on preserved farmland to provide power or heat to adjacent properties.
The measure passed the Senate unanimously (36-0) and now awaits consideration in the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
Supporters say the bill gives preserved farms greater flexibility while maintaining farmland preservation protections.
A bipartisan proposal aimed at expanding renewable energy opportunities on preserved farmland is advancing through the New Jersey Legislature after receiving unanimous approval in the Senate.
Sponsored by Senators Latham Tiver and Bob Smith, the legislation would authorize certain renewable energy systems installed on preserved farmland to provide power or heat to adjacent properties, provided specific conditions established under state law are met. Specifically, the bill would authorize the energy to be used to provide power or heat to a property adjacent to the farm on which the renewable energy system is located, so long as the adjacent property is the primary residence of an owner or operator of the farm.
The bill was introduced in March, advanced unanimously through the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, and passed the full Senate on a 36-0 vote before being referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.
Current law generally permits renewable energy systems on preserved farmland when they primarily serve the agricultural operation located on the property. The legislation would expand that authority by allowing qualifying systems to also serve neighboring properties under defined circumstances while maintaining the state’s farmland preservation requirements.
Supporters say the measure provides additional flexibility for preserved farms to make productive use of renewable energy investments without undermining the purpose of farmland preservation.
The legislation reflects a broader effort to support agricultural operations while encouraging responsible renewable energy development in New Jersey. If enacted, farms meeting the bill’s requirements could help supply clean energy beyond their own operations while continuing to preserve agricultural land.
The bill now moves to the Assembly for further consideration.
Sources:
New Jersey Legislature. (2026). Senate Bill No. 3944: Authorizes renewable energy systems on preserved farmland to provide power or heat to adjacent properties, under certain conditions.
New Jersey Legislature. (2026). Bill history for S3944.
