Instead of setting strict new limits on property development, environmental officials are aiming to win public support for action on climate change with updated regulations on mitigation and adaptation next year, a top officer from the Department of Environmental Protection said.
Deputy Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said the department is gathering input from stakeholders including business groups, environmentalists and local government representatives for a wide-ranging update of regulations that implement several environmental laws. The regulations are being rewritten to allow for the effects of climate change including rising seas, heavier rains, bigger floods, higher temperatures, and longer dry spells.
Although developers and builders fear the new rules will tighten limits on where they can build in coastal and inland areas, the regulations are unlikely to do that, LaTourette said in an interview with NJ Spotlight News. Read more from NJ Spotlight News.