Building New Jersey’s Future with Resilience and Responsibility
As young people, we are committed to building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable future for New Jersey. The Climate Revolution Action Network (CRAN) calls on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to strengthen the NJREAL rules with a forward-thinking, climate-resilient approach.
Enhanced Flood Hazard Management
Adopt Higher Sea-Level Projections: The Climate Adjusted Flood Elevation (CAFE) standard should account for a higher emissions scenario. Based on data from Rutgers University, New Jersey is likely to expect 6.3 feet of sea level rise by 2100 under a high emissions scenario. All new developments and critical infrastructure should be raised to withstand this projection.
Managed Retreat: The NJDEP should prioritize Blue Acres Home Buyout applications for properties within the Inundation Risk Zone (IRZ).
Dry Access Requirements: Critical infrastructure and multi-family buildings must have access to at least one roadway elevated above the CAFE to prevent automobile strandings during flood events.
Transit-Oriented Development and Sustainable Transportation
Expand Walkability Standards: Require that all TOD projects include pedestrian pathways and bike lanes.
EV Charging Infrastructure: Require new TOD parking spaces to include EV charging stations.
Public Transit Incentives: Include provisions for subsidized passes or shuttle services to the nearest transit hub.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Require On-Site Renewable Energy: Mandate that large-scale developments cover at least 15% of their energy needs with on-site renewable sources.
Energy-Efficient Building Standards: Require all new buildings to meet LEED Silver or equivalent standards.
Incentives for Net-Zero Projects: Introduce tax credits, grants, or expedited permitting for net-zero developments.
Environmental Justice and Overburdened Communities
Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments: Require assessments for developments within one mile of overburdened communities.
Community Engagement Requirements: Mandate public meetings and feedback sessions for developments in environmental justice areas.
Prioritize Funding for Climate Resilience in EJ Areas: Allocate targeted funding to support resilience projects in overburdened communities.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation
Mandatory Wildlife Corridors and Buffer Zones: Enforce the establishment of wildlife corridors and buffer zones around protected habitats.
Native Plant Landscaping: Require all new developments to use native plants in green stormwater infrastructure projects.
Strengthen Wetlands and Riparian Zone Protections
Close Development Loopholes: Eliminate exemptions that permit development in sensitive wetlands and riparian areas.
Increase Buffer Zones: Mandate a minimum 300-foot buffer for development around riparian zones.
In closing, CRAN urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to adopt these rules with an eye toward the future we hope to build — one that respects our natural resources, protects our communities, and inspires other states to follow our example.