Overview

Bob Smith is a Democratic member of the New Jersey State Senate, representing the 17th Legislative District, centered on New Brunswick, since 2002. Prior to his Senate service, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1986 to 2001, including a term as Deputy Minority Leader from 1994 to 1995. Smith previously served as Mayor of Piscataway Township from 1981 to 1986 and on the Piscataway Township Council from 1977 to 1980. Before entering politics, he taught environmental science and chemistry at Middlesex County College for 15 years and practiced as an attorney. Smith has established a reputation as a leading environmental legislator in New Jersey, having served as Chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee since 2002. He holds degrees in history, chemistry, environmental science, and law, providing a multidisciplinary background for his legislative work on environmental and energy policy.

Political Career

Piscataway Township Council (1977–1980)

Mayor, Piscataway Township (1981–1986)

New Jersey General Assembly (1986–2001)

Chair, Middlesex County Democratic Organization (1991–1992)

Deputy Minority Leader, General Assembly (1994–1995)

New Jersey State Senator, District 17 (2002–present)

Chair, Senate Environment and Energy Committee (2002–present)

Member, Senate Judiciary Committee (2002–present)

State House Commission (2008–present)

Key Policy Areas

Environmental protection and energy policy

Land use and preservation

Water quality and infrastructure

Renewable energy development

Judiciary and legal policy

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Primary sponsor of the Highlands Preservation Act, which protects water resources and natural areas in the Highlands region

Authored the Site Remediation Reform Act, establishing the Licensed Site Remediation Professional program for environmental cleanup

Sponsored the Barnegat Bay cleanup legislation, including what has been described as the most stringent fertilizer law in the United States

Authored the Recycling Enhancement Act and the Electronic Waste Management Act

Sponsored the $400 million Green Acres Initiative, approved by voters in 2009, for open space preservation

Chair of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure, addressing water system modernization

Served as counsel to the New Jersey State Democratic Platform in 1987 and 1989

Education

B.A., History, University of Scranton (1969)

M.S., Chemistry, University of Scranton (1970)

M.S., Environmental Science, Rutgers University (1973)

J.D., Seton Hall University School of Law (1981)

Personal

Birth date: March 25, 1947

Residence: Piscataway Township, New Jersey