A New Jersey Senate committee released two bills sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz Pérez that would require facilities storing or processing automotive shredder residue (ASR) to obtain Department of Environmental Protection permits and would allow forfeiture of some economic development incentives when businesses violate state environmental laws.

The legislation follows a large fire at a Camden shredding facility that witnesses testified was visible across South Jersey. Doug O’Malley of Environment New Jersey called the Camden incident “not an isolated incident,” saying the facility involved had a record of repeated fires and violations and that the blaze threatened nearby infrastructure and public health. “This is part of a pattern of environmental violations,” O’Malley said.

Proponents told the committee they want to reduce the risk of similar fires and hold companies accountable, especially those that have received taxpayer-funded incentives. Witnesses noted that the company tied to the Camden fire settled for $7 million; other testimony cited earlier audit findings that large incentive packages to the company were later reduced.

Business groups and trade representatives urged caution. Elyssa (Alyssa) Frank of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association told senators her members were concerned the clawback bill could impose a “one-size-fits-all” penalty that would strip incentives for minor paperwork violations and that the timing of any penalty trigger should be tied to outcomes rather than notices. Frank said the association had “three concerns” it wanted on record.

Frank Brill of the Recycled Materials Association opposed designating ASR as hazardous waste, arguing that adding a new hazardous-waste definition outside existing New Jersey and federal requirements would create confusion and unintended consequences for recyclers and landfills. Brill urged the sponsor and DEP to work with industry on the specifics.

Several environmental and conservation organizations — including Clean Water Action, the Sierra Club, and the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters — filed slips in support and spoke or submitted testimony urging stronger enforcement and oversight.

The committee released the ASR permit bill and the companion polluter-pay incentives bill for further action. Committee staff and senators asked stakeholders to consult with the sponsor and DEP on technical details and potential amendments before the measures proceed.

The hearing record shows testimony and written submissions from multiple stakeholders; committee leaders instructed staff to ensure the sponsor and DEP receive industry concerns for follow-up.