New Jersey’s environmental agency proposes extending through July 20, 2027, the window for eligible permit applications to be reviewed under older flood standards. Advocates warn the move would leave communities less protected from flooding and storm damage.
The REAL rules, adopted under former Gov. Phil Murphy, revised standards for shoreline development, wetlands, stormwater management and flood hazards. The proposed legacy period lets certain applications filed sufficiently before the rules took effect be reviewed under prior standards; its original 180-day window ended July 20. The Department of Environmental Protection says it needs more time to consult municipalities, counties, developers, environmental groups and businesses. It is considering narrower amendments to streamline permitting while protecting life and property, and has made no final decision on changes.
The department says more than 500,000 acres are highly vulnerable to coastal hazards and about two-thirds of the coastline already faces high or very high coastal-erosion risk. It projects 98% of the coastline will face medium to very high sea-level-rise risk. Jennifer Coffey, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, called the proposal regulatory backsliding and alleged developers sought it to benefit their profits; she urged Gov. Mikie Sherrill to re-adopt strong flood protections.
