Pew Recommends Reforms to Improve Flood Resilience in New Jersey

On Oct. 8, The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments regarding Governor Phil Murphy’s (D) recent directive to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to reform regulations and planning processes to better address climate risks and greenhouse gas emissions under the auspices of the state’s Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) initiative.

In its letter, Pew encouraged NJDEP to adapt land-use policies to incorporate consideration of sea level rise into decision-making processes, restrict development in areas most vulnerable to future flooding, and update stormwater regulations. Pew also strongly urged the state to support coastal communities by including coastal habitats in its climate resilience efforts and specifically recommended that New Jersey implement mapping, restoration, and monitoring of coastal resources such as shellfish and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Pew applauds New Jersey’s commitment to enacting PACT reforms in tandem with the Resilience Strategy and Coastal Resilience Plan.