Make Your Voice Heard on New Jersey's Proposed REAL Rules

New Jersey is updating its development rules to better protect people, property, and natural spaces from future flooding. The NJ PACT Rules will replace old standards that haven’t kept pace with today’s flooding risks.

Known as the REAL (Resilient Environments and Landscape) rules, they are part of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection's Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) initiative. They aim to reduce the state's vulnerability to flooding.

Time is running out to get better rules in place. These rules are needed, stronger and better for our communities and the coast, so let's get them enacted!

Want to help protect our state?

1. Join the Virtual Public Hearing
   • When: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
   • What: Share your thoughts with NJDEP staff during the meeting
   • How: Be sure to register before the meeting.
2. Send Written Comments
   • Deadline: September 19, 2025
   • How: Use DEP's online comment form.

Need help figuring out what to say? Here's some guidance:  
​I support the proposed NJPACT REAL Rules, which will make our state more resilient and better prepared to face the threats facing our communities and coast, like flooding and sea level rise. I am writing to ask the NJDEP to adopt these rules immediately.

I support these rules because they use the best available science to guide construction that will withstand expected sea level rise and increased rainfall that we are already experiencing in the state, while also helping to prepare us to withstand and recover from future storms.

I support these rules because they encourage nature-based solutions to restore wetlands, shorelines, and floodplains, which help to reduce the impacts of flooding. These rules will capture and remove water pollution, which too often restricts our use and enjoyment of our ocean and bays.  

I support these rules because they close existing loopholes that put people and places at risk.

The climate is changing, and so must we!

Want to learn more? Watch the NJ League of Conservation Voters video on the Rules.

These rules will shape how we build in flood-prone areas for decades to come. Adding your voice can help get them passed!