New Jersey § 13:1d-148

§ 13:1d-148.

a. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall establish a list of businesses,

companies, and corporations in the State that are, as determined by the commissioner,

environmentally responsible. In making this determination, the commissioner, at a minimum, shall evaluate a business,

company, or corporation on the basis of the following: (1) the contribution of the business, company, or corporation to the improved environment

of the State, especially any contribution to environmental education and awareness

in the State; the reduction of air and water pollution and the preservation of natural

resources; the implementation of policies, procedures, or technologies to reduce,

replace, or minimize the environmental impact of toxic materials and substances used

in manufacturing processes or other applications; the increased use of recycled materials,

energy conservation, or alternative forms of energy or fuel with environmental benefits;

and the implementation of open space preservation, habitat protection, or responsible

land use policies and projects; (2) the extent to which these contributions are in addition to steps the business,

company, or corporation is required to take in these areas due to local, State, or

federal requirements; and (3) the use of innovative policies, procedures, and technologies that result in sound

environmental practices and important environmental benefits for the State. The list established pursuant to this subsection shall be displayed prominently on

the Department of Environmental Protection's website, and shall be updated as appropriate. b. In addition to designating businesses, companies, or corporations as environmentally

responsible pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the Commissioner of Environmental

Protection shall periodically provide public recognition to those businesses, companies,

or corporations in the State that, as determined by the commissioner, have exhibited

exemplary attention to, and concern for, the environment in their business practices,

policies, procedures or goods, as evidenced by their contribution to the improved

environment of the State and use of innovative policies, procedures, and technologies

that result in sound environmental practices and important environmental benefits

for the State. This recognition may be in the form of the award of certificates, press announcements,

or other forms of recognition the commissioner deems appropriate to highlight the

achievements of these businesses, companies, or corporations. The commissioner may also create a logo which businesses, companies, or corporations

who have been recognized as environmentally responsible may use in the promotion of

that business, company, or corporation. c. Any business, company, or corporation in the State that makes a contribution to

the improved environment of the State or implements innovative policies, procedures,

or technologies, above and beyond the scope of those measures required pursuant to

local, State, or federal requirements, may submit to the Commissioner of Environmental

Protection documentation of these contributions or the implementation of these measures,

how the measures constitute environmental measures above and beyond the scope of those

measures required pursuant to local, State, or federal requirements, and the environmental

benefit gained by the State from these contributions or the implementation of the

measures. The commissioner shall review the submitted documentation and determine if the business,

company, or corporation should be included in the list established pursuant to subsection

a. of this section, and if the business, company, or corporation should be further

recognized for its achievements pursuant to subsection b. of this section. d. The list and the recognition program established pursuant to subsections a. and

b. of this section may be known as the “Environmental Stewardship Program.” e. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative

Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c. 410 ( C.52:14B-1 et seq. ), any rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this section, including,

but not limited to, provisions establishing the criteria for designation as an environmentally

responsible business, company, or corporation, and for award of certificates of recognition

to exemplary businesses, companies, or corporations. Any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this subsection shall include, at

a minimum, the evaluation criteria provided in subsection a. of this section.