Last week, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) made a groundbreaking announcement: Governor Murphy has officially released the NJPACT REAL rules! Anticipated for publication on July 1, 2024, these rules mark a significant step forward in environmental protection and sustainability efforts across the state.
As part of the process, the NJDEP is inviting all stakeholders to participate in a 90-day comment period, encouraging feedback and engagement from communities, organizations, and individuals passionate about environmental stewardship.
These rules would protect New Jerseyans from climate threats, sea level rise, and beach erosion, which continue to plague coastal communities and threaten critical wildlife habitats. Independent reports from Rhodium’s Energy & Climate team estimate that over $15 billion worth of homes and buildings are now likely to flood at least once a year. Meanwhile, the most recent National Climate Assessment reports that over 80% of properties in the Northeast lack adequate flood insurance coverage.
The REAL Rules hold many of the solutions needed to tackle climate challenges. They will promote the nature-based solutions and green infrastructure that we should be employing. They will guide the way we build along the shore so that we’re not throwing money away with the tide and putting even more people in danger. The rules add increased protections for all communities statewide that are developing and redeveloping by requiring stronger stormwater management. They encourage us to look to the best science to inform our future plans, and they have the potential to save lives.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone whose support and advocacy have brought us to this pivotal moment. We will be reviewing these new rules over the next several weeks and will provide more information about the rules and how to participate in the comment period. Together, we’re forging a greener, more sustainable future for New Jersey and beyond. Let’s keep the momentum going!
