DEP Asks For Climate Data- Long Overdue

The DEP is now requesting that higher-education institutions share climate and sea-level rise research and data that will help the state as it moves forward with strengthening New Jersey’s global warming response and resilience strategies.

 “The DEP has waited close to 2 years to start taking climate change data from higher educational institutions. What has taken them so long? These colleges and universities have a lot of important information and a lot are filled with many important DEP officials. We are in a climate crisis, but the Murphy Administration have yet to do anything about resiliency and adaptation. New Jersey is the only state on the east coast that does not have any kind of sea level rise climate adaptation plan. We need to be taking a multi-state approach to tackling sea level rise and climate change,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club.  “While the DEP is gathering this critical information, they need to update their maps and regulations so that this data can actually be useful.”

New Jersey’s higher education institutions are asked to submit research either completed within the last five years or due to be completed by the end of this year related to climate mitigation and adaptation/resiliency. Research should be shared no later than Sept. 30.

“DEP needs to regulate C02 and open the Office of Climate Change. They need to update our adaptation for sea level mitigation program, our shore protection plan, fix CAFRA loopholes and have a Coastal Commission. They must update our water protection rules such as our Flood Hazard Rules, Wetlands Rules, and Water Quality Management Planning Rules. They must also update new FEMA flood maps for sea level rise, update building codes, and start to implement adaptation and hazard planning as part of their resiliency model.  We need more funding for buyouts to restore natural systems such as stream corridors, wetlands and dunes. Building codes need to be updated, and we need to advance energy efficiency,” said Tittel.

A report by the Union of Concerned Citizens found that in New Jersey alone, over 62,000 homes worth over $26 billion are at risk by 2045. By the end of this century, this number grows to 251,000 homes worth $107 Billion at risk of tidal flooding. New Jersey also leads the nation in the number of commercial properties at risk of chronic inundation in 2045.

“The Murphy administration needs to start acting much more aggressively to combat climate impacts and improve our resiliency. New Jersey is one of the most vulnerable states in the nation to impacts from sea level rise and climate change. There are many communities and neighborhoods in New Jersey that are going underwater on a regular basis,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “As the population of coastal communities keeps growing, the potential for disaster will be greater. Planning for resiliency is a start in the right direction, however the DEP has a lot of work to do to make sure New Jersey is prepared for another Superstorm Sandy. If we don’t act now, we are all going to need snorkels.”