In an effort to address climate change, the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection plans to implement new rules that could dramatically change building standards, construction costs, insurance costs, affordable housing and much more. While acknowledging that climate change and sea level rise pose a true risk, Cape May County municipalities have asked the state to conduct a thorough analysis of all potential impacts before moving forward (see resolution).

An informational link on all things REAL/NJPACT can be found on the Cape May County website: NJPACT/REAL | Cape May County, NJ - Official Website (capemaycountynj.gov). The link provided includes the most up-to-date memo/analysis provided by Lomax Environmental Consulting, CAFE and Flood Inundation Risk Zone Maps, and links to register for the NJDEP’s public hearings, as well as a link for members of the public to post a public comment.

• TO REGISTER FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0cN2UAI4n0uzauCkG9ZCpyo5lt8mWe5Eg3s3wk6hKutUM1FKWDczWjRONk42RVI1WjhMTU5QUDc4My4u,
• TO POST PUBLIC COMMENT ON REAL/NJPACT RULES: https://dep.nj.gov/rules/rule-comment-form/ 

A Mayors Roundtable is scheduled for 10 a.m. September 6  the County Administration building. Immediately following the Mayors Roundtable, there will be a press conference regarding the NJPACT/REAL Rules. Additionally, county representatives are also scheduled to participate in the NJDEP’s Public Hearing on September 5 at the Ocean County Community College.