The Theme of all Presentations at the 2022 NJSWEP and BCONE Regulatory Update

By  Andrea L. Poinsett, Senior Professional, GEI Consultants

The annual NJDEP Regulatory Update organized by BCONE and NJSWEP with presenters from multiple NJDEP programs was virtual this year.  There were two afternoons of presentations on recent NJDEP developments, updates, and activities.   The theme that ran through each presentation is resilience.  The other important focus from NJDEP is to make sure all communities are resilient, especially already overburdened communities. 

Each presentation and discussion included a common thread:  how does NJ prepare our state to “weather the storm” that is undoubtedly coming or, in some aspects, is already here?  The event kicked off with a presentation on NJ Climate Resilience Planning, showing how New Jersey’s climate patterns have changed and predicting trajectories. That information then focused on the big questions: How can NJ adapt with the current regulations and what new regulations need to be created to make our state as ready as possible?  How will our current infrastructure need to be changed? What needs to be modernized?  How will our current grid handle the change to more efficient vehicles?  NJDEP has created and provided access to resources demonstrating how we can plan for new flood extremes that seem to happen every few years. Answering the questions and solving the problems will require  State Agency Action, DEP Policy, and Community Guidance and Assistance.

Anything we can do to be more resilient in the face of the changing climate helps.  So, in the spirit of the NJDEP regulatory update, what can you do to make your projects more resilient? 

Posted May 31, 2022