New Jersey’s ongoing struggle with toxic “forever chemicals” made headlines in 2025, particularly two hotspots of pollution at opposite ends of the state.  

The year started with federal regulators taking emergency action — including handing out bottled water — to address the impact of toxic sludge spread across Warren County farmland decades ago. Then over the summer, state authorities went to court and won historic settlements over widespread pollution at the infamous Chambers Works site in Salem County. 

President Donald Trump’s return to power in January was quickly followed by dramatic reversals of federal environmental policies — and ambitious efforts to adapt to climate change in New Jersey quickly suffered as a result. 

Here’s a look at key stories about environmental policy from NJ Spotlight News this year: 

Energy & Environment, Water

Energy & Environment, Water

WATCH 1:36

Energy & Environment

Energy & Environment, Water

Energy & Environment, Politics

Energy & Environment

Energy & Environment, Under the Dome