Murphy Announces New Rules to Better Protect Against Climate Change Impacts

Murphy Announces New Rules to Better Protect Against Climate Change Impacts

On Friday, Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced the Administration’s intent to modernize a suite of DEP regulations to better protect New Jersey communities from coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and other public health and safety risks that are increasing due to climate change.

The forthcoming rule proposal, known as REAL – Resilient Environments and Landscapes – reforms, will make New Jersey the first state in the nation to initiate a comprehensive update of land resource protection regulations to address the current and future impacts of climate change.

The REAL reforms would amend New Jersey’s existing flood hazard, stormwater, coastal zone, and freshwater wetland regulations statewide to address these ongoing impacts, while improving water quality and flood protections and addressing issues of particular concern to overburdened communities.

“The Resilient Environments and Landscapes reforms are a critical component of our Administration’s comprehensive strategy to bolster New Jersey’s resilience amid the worsening impacts of climate change,” Governor Murphy said. 

A formal rule proposal is expected to be published in the New Jersey Register in July. Upon publication of the proposal, a 90-day public comment period will commence.

Three public hearings will be announced upon publication. Click here to view a courtesy copy of the REAL proposal.