2 days Ago
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save TRENTON — New Jersey's environmental protection commissioner on Tuesday defended a set of proposed climate-related building rules at the Jersey Shore against criticism from Republicans that they could create "no-build zones" or even force a retreat from the shoreline. At budget hearings for the Department of Environmental Protection, Commissioner Shawn LaTourette defended the rules as common sense responses to keep people and property safe from rising sea levels and stronger, more frequent storms. They are called NJ Protecting Against Climate Threats Resilient Environments and Landscapes, or NJ PACT REAL.
"We're talking about helping to ensure that what we build today is equipped to stand the test of time in a changing climate," LaTourette said. "It does not tell people all the things they can't do, all the places they can't build. It is about building stronger.
" Ocean County wildfire grows to more than 13,250 acres; 50% contained Detention hearing set for Waretown man charged with arson in Ocean County wildfire Atlantic County jail inmate accused of beating corrections officer unconscious Northfield house fire under state investigation Aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, who flew in Atlantic City Airshow, dies in crash in Virginia New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue emergency REAL IDs in select cases Jacksonville Jaguars select former Millville star running back in 7th round Neighbors want to keep kennels out of Ocean City Egg Harbor Township native Dominic Sessa to play Anthony Bourdain in biopic Millville man, teen charged in death of father, assault of daughter on Easter Pinelands fire could be biggest in New Jersey in 20 years. 5,000 flee, but only 1 building burns. State in talks over supermarket expansion at Atlantic City's Renaissance Plaza Chase Petty twirls gem in latest start for Reds' AAA team Mainland Regional graduate has new college basketball home Even if forest fire overwhelmed closed nuclear plant, its stored fuel would be safe, officials say The proposed rules would apply only to new construction or rebuilds; existing properties do not have to do anything, he said.
A key feature of the rules is adopting slightly higher elevations for new or rebuilt homes, to 5 feet above the level mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. State Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic, said he has been approached by numerous constituents worried that they will no longer be able to afford — or even be allowed — to continue to live in shore homes they've worked their entire lives to afford.
"They worry about whether they're going to be able to get insurance on their property, be able to sell their property, what it does to the value of their property," he said. Plans for the site of the former B.L.
England power plant will come before the Upper Township Committee on May 12, not April 28 as previously planned. He said many coastal residents, along with the real estate industry, fear the rules could create "no-build zones" along the shore, or a forced pull-back from the shoreline, something LaTourette rejected. "Of course not," the commissioner replied.
"It doesn't call for a retreat, Senator. There's nowhere to retreat to. This is it.
" Testa said "there has been a major retreat from bayshore communities." LaTourette acknowledged this has been happening along the Cumberland County coastline "because we're losing land mass. We're losing it every day.
" Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said expanding flood zone designations will reduce the value of people's homes. LaTourette said the state needs to be upfront with people about the risks they face from flooding and storms.
But Testa said the study the state relied upon in calculating the new rules assumes sea levels will rise more quickly than other studies have. The New Jersey Business and Industry Association says 2 feet over the next 75 years is a more realistic assumption, which should be reflected in an amended proposal. In the coming weeks, Upper Township will receive a formal proposal for extensive residential and commercial development for the former site of the B.
L. England power plant. “No one in the climate science community is forecasting 5 feet of sea level rise in 75 years, and you don’t create life-changing, potentially economically devastating policy upon a low-confidence data point, and certainly not without input from the Legislature," said Ray Cantor, an official with the association and a former adviser to the DEP under the administration of Gov.
Chris Christie. “It is appropriate for the DEP to incorporate sea level rise in their updated land use rules, but sadly they are far too extreme in their projections and overly burdensome with these proposed regulations,” he said. Environmental groups favor the proposed rules as necessary to protect against a changing climate.
"After witnessing the devastating effects and the loss of life from major storms like Hurricane Sandy, Irene and Ida, it is more apparent than ever that our state needs to adopt these rules as soon as possible to best protect people and property from the increasingly severe impacts of climate change," said Taylor McFarland, conservation program manager for the New Jersey Sierra Club. LaTourette said the rules are on pace to be adopted by August. LaTourette Testa Contact Wayne Parry : 609-272-7000 wparry@pressofac.
com X @WayneParryAC Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items..
