NJ A4454

Establishes the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program within the Department of Environmental Protection to protect New Jersey citizens from mine subsidence and water quality degradation caused by abandoned mines.

Requires DEP to develop a comprehensive State reclamation plan that maps all abandoned mines and mineshafts, identifies those posing the greatest threat to human safety and infrastructure, and ranks reclamation projects with cost estimates.

Grants DEP authority to enter private property for exploratory work and reclamation projects with two months' written notice, without requiring landowners to expend any funds for implementation.

Creates the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Program Fund as a nonlapsing fund to receive federal grants, state appropriations, and private donations dedicated to mine reclamation projects.

Authorizes DEP to carry out reclamation projects directly, contract with private firms, or distribute grants to local governments and private landowners, and requires annual applications for available federal funding.