MEDIA ALERT
WHEN: April 22, 2026 Earth Day, 1:30 pm (after joint Senate & Assembly Environment hearing)
WHERE: New Jersey Statehouse Annex Steps (outside)
125 W. State St.,Trenton NJ
SUBJECT: Earth Day Press Conference re: climate change & New Jersey Protecting Against Climate
Threats Resilient Environments and Landscapes (NJPACT REAL) resiliency regulations
CONTACT: Mike Pisauro Jr., Esq, Policy Director The Watershed Institute,
mpisauro@thewatershed.org (609) 577-7584 (preference on the day)
Jennifer M. Coffey, Executive Director, Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC), jcoffey@anjec.org, (609) 532-3462
New Jersey’s environmental leaders, business representatives, and local officials and legislators (invited) will speak about creating more resilient communities across the State. New Jersey is the fastest warming state in the country and regularly among the five states with the highest amount of flood insurance claims for homeowners.
The NJPACT REAL rules adopted in January 2026 will reduce the risks to people and property by altering development and redevelopment standards to require building homes and critical infrastructure above the current and climate projected flood plains. The Rules also adopt stormwater management standards for redevelopment projects to reduce flooding; and incorporate permitting efficiencies for nature-based solution projects. The NJPACT REAL rules are scheduled to be implemented in July 2026.
Environmental leaders, business representatives, and elected officials will speak after the joint Senate Environment & Energy and Assembly Environment & Solid Waste Committee hearing on the NJPACT REAL rules.
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