Greta Jimenez
New Jersey is ranked the 19th most polluted state in the U.S., with air pollution levels that could be dangerous to health. The state's air pollution is caused by a combination of vehicle emissions, the burning of fossil fuels, and the presence of coal-burning power plants. While soot levels in the state have been declining due to the retirement of older diesel engines and the closure of coal-fired power plants, ozone pollution remains a significant issue, particularly in highly populated areas and transportation hubs such as the I-95 corridor. The areas closest to major highways and point sources of pollution, such as Bergen, Camden, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties, are the most affected. Water and soil pollution are also prevalent in New Jersey, with towns like Linden and Deepwater experiencing high levels of toxic chemical releases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air pollution ranking in the U.S. | 19th most polluted state |
| Air pollution in 2023 | Good news for particulate pollution (all counties get an A or B), bad news for ozone pollution (6 out of 15 counties get an F) |
| Areas with the worst ozone pollution | Bergen, Camden, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties |
| Area with the cleanest air | Monmouth County |
| Water pollution in 2015 | Linden and Deepwater: over 2 million pounds each; Irvington, Fords, and Eatontown: less than one pound each |
| Soil pollution | Chemical contaminants in the soil can make crops unsafe to eat |
| Health problems | Asthma, cancer, heart disease, developmental disorders, and lead poisoning |
| Overburdened communities (OBCs) | Low-income people, people of color, and people suffering from energy poverty |
| Progress | Soot in the air is declining, coal-burning power plants are being shut down, and older diesel engines on trucks are being retired or retrofitted |
| Goals | Murphy administration’s goal for a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035 |
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What You'll Learn
Air pollution
New Jersey's air quality has been described as so poor that it could be dangerous to breathe. The state continues to be among the most polluted in the US, with a large area receiving failing grades for smog. North Jersey and New York City ranked as the 10th worst metropolitan area in the US for ozone levels, which can trigger asthma attacks in the estimated 735,000 state residents with the disease. The Newark-New York City metropolitan area, which includes 13 counties in New Jersey, was the 13th most ozone-polluted city in the US, according to a report by the American Lung Association.
Much of the Jersey Shore and the South Jersey counties outside Philadelphia also received failing grades over a three-year period from 2014 to 2016. Like the rest of the nation, New Jersey's smog levels were worse in 2016 because of record-setting high temperatures. The state's average of 55 degrees Fahrenheit was the third warmest since 1895. However, there is some good news: soot in New Jersey's air continues to decline thanks to older diesel engines on trucks being retired or retrofitted, along with the continued closing of coal-fired power plants.
Vehicle pollution is a major driver of elevated ozone levels, and the state has made progress in adopting a rule requiring all new cars sold to be electric by 2035. However, more stringent rules could cut greenhouse gases further. Policymakers should also work to reduce reliance on natural gas appliances, which make homes and buildings big emitters of air pollutants. The Murphy administration has set a goal of a 100% clean-energy economy by 2035.
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Water pollution
New Jersey, a state known for its diverse landscape and vibrant communities, unfortunately, also has a reputation for struggling with environmental issues, particularly water pollution. The state's industrial heritage, dense population, and proximity to major water bodies have contributed to this problem.
One of the most prominent areas affected by water pollution in New Jersey is the Lower Hackensack River. Flowing through the densely populated and heavily industrialized areas of northern New Jersey, the river has suffered from decades of pollution. Industrial discharge, stormwater runoff, and sewage overflow have all taken their toll on the river's water quality. The lower portion of the river, from Newark Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, has been designated as one of the country's Superfund sites, requiring extensive cleanup efforts due to the presence of toxic contaminants.
Another area of concern is the Passaic River, which flows through the heart of New Jersey's industrial corridor. The river has a long history of industrial pollution, including discharges of chemicals, heavy metals, and other toxic substances. This has resulted in severe ecological damage and has even rendered some portions of the river unsafe for recreational activities like fishing and swimming. Remediation efforts, including the removal of contaminated sediment and the implementation of better wastewater treatment practices, are ongoing.
New Jersey's coastal areas also face significant water pollution challenges. Coastal waters, including the popular tourist destination of Jersey Shore, are susceptible to pollution from runoff carrying fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria from populated areas. This has led to issues like harmful algal blooms, which can be toxic to marine life and detrimental to the local economy that relies on tourism and seafood industries. Additionally, New Jersey's coastal waters have been impacted by marine debris and plastic pollution, which can entangle marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade the overall marine environment.
The state is actively addressing these issues through various initiatives. For example, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has implemented strict regulations on stormwater management and wastewater treatment. Efforts are also focused on educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and responsible land management practices to reduce runoff pollution. Community involvement in cleanup events and advocacy for stronger environmental policies play a crucial role in tackling water pollution in New Jersey.
Overall, while New Jersey faces significant water pollution challenges, there is ongoing work and dedication to improving the state's water quality. Through a combination of regulatory measures, community engagement, and remediation projects, there is hope that New Jersey's water bodies can be restored and protected for future generations to enjoy. Local, state, and federal collaboration is vital to ensuring the health and sustainability of New Jersey's aquatic environments.
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Soil pollution
One notable example of soil pollution in New Jersey is the contamination caused by the Solvay chemical company. Documents revealed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicate that Solvay's release of PFAS compounds has had toxic effects on both lab animals and people. These compounds were found in the soil near Solvay's plant in West Deptford, New Jersey, and have been linked to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of heart disease.
Another instance of soil pollution in New Jersey involves the Passaic River. Byproducts from the manufacture of the herbicide Agent Orange, such as dioxin, fouled the river, resulting in toxic fish and crab populations. Additionally, dye and paint companies illegally dumped waste in Toms River, leading to decades of groundwater pollution. Carcinogenic vapors from factories in Pompton Lakes, which produced war ammunition and non-stick pans, also posed a significant health risk to nearby residents.
While New Jersey has implemented strict environmental laws and made progress in cleaning up contaminated sites, the state has faced criticism for failing to rank its most contaminated sites as promised. This ranking system was intended to ensure that the most dangerous sites received priority attention for cleanups. Despite this shortcoming, New Jersey has demonstrated a commitment to holding polluters accountable and protecting the environment through legislation such as the New Jersey Spill Act of 1976 and its strong precursor to the federal Superfund law.
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Greenhouse gases
New Jersey has been actively working to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The state has established a statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory to track its progress in achieving this goal. This inventory includes estimates for carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases, as well as black carbon and carbon sequestration. The state aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2006 levels by 2050 and achieve 100% clean energy by the same year.
New Jersey is a part of the Pennsylvania, Jersey, Maryland Power Pool (PJM), which coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in the state. Over the years, PJM states have acquired more efficient technologies and new supply resources, leading to a decline in annual emission rates for CO2, SO2, and NOX from 2019 to 2020.
To further reduce emissions, New Jersey has implemented strategies such as reducing energy consumption and emissions from the transportation and building sectors, accelerating the deployment of renewable and distributed energy resources, maximizing energy efficiency, and supporting community energy planning in underserved communities. The state has also joined initiatives like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) to collaborate with other states in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, New Jersey has taken steps to increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road and expand its offshore wind goal. Governor Murphy signed legislation to increase publicly accessible charging infrastructure, electrify fleets, and provide an EV rebate program. The state aims to generate 7,500 megawatts of electricity through offshore wind by 2035, more than doubling its previous goal.
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Wildfires
In April 2025, a large wildfire burned 12,500 acres of the Pine Barrens, also known as the Pinelands, in southern New Jersey. This fire, known as the Jones Road Wildfire, originated in Ocean County and spread to 12,500 acres by Wednesday afternoon, threatening structures, forcing evacuations, and shutting down a 17-mile stretch of the Garden State Parkway. The Pine Barrens is the largest forested area on the Eastern Seaboard between Maine and the Florida Everglades and is frequently affected by wildfires.
The growing number of wildfires in New Jersey has prevented firefighters from conducting important prevention work, such as controlled burns. The state has also been experiencing drought conditions, with the southern part remaining in drought as of April 2025, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to spread. NOAA satellites have been crucial for monitoring and managing wildfires in New Jersey, providing critical information to firefighting agencies and safeguarding public safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The areas closest to point sources, major highways, and coal-burning power plants suffer the greatest effects of pollution. For instance, the ALA report shows that ozone pollution is worst in Bergen, Camden, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean Counties.
The American Lung Association (ALA) focuses on two types of pollution in its State of the Air report: fine particles called particulates and ozone, the main component of smog. Both of these can cause serious health problems, including asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.
Pollution in New Jersey is largely caused by vehicle emissions, dirty diesel, and coal plants. A sizable amount of air pollution is also blown into New Jersey from coal-burning power plants in the Midwest.
People living in highly polluted regions of New Jersey tend to be low-income individuals and people of color. According to the ALA report, nearly half of those at risk from air pollution in the state are people of color, and nearly one-tenth have incomes below the poverty line.
