The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on June 25 released AB 1478, which requires a study of ocean energy potential and directs the Board of Public Utilities to establish wave and tidal energy goals and take actions to position New Jersey as a national leader in ocean energy. The committee posted the bill with no committee amendments.

Jasmine Teles of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters testified in support, citing academic studies that identify wave energy as a promising form of marine energy with high power density and potential job benefits, and urged a BPU study and pilot projects to evaluate economic and environmental impacts. "Wave energy could power swaths of coastal homes and businesses," she said, citing a 2018 study estimating high potential on Pacific coasts and noting New Jersey's shoreline and offshore resources could be explored for northeastern potential.

Assembly members raised questions about pilot scope, costs and potential industrialization of marine areas similar to concerns voiced during offshore wind debates. One member asked whether the bill specifies pilot size, cost, company involvement or campaign-donation ties; the chair responded that $500,000 had been appropriated two years earlier for study and that about $300,000 remained for follow-up work. Committee members asked the sponsor to provide clarity on pilot objectives and the intended use of remaining funds before the bill goes to the floor.

The committee followed the usual process of releasing the bill for further consideration and directed sponsors to provide additional information about pilot parameters and funding to the committee before floor consideration.