Simonsen & McClellan: DEP Backs Down Under Pressure But the Plan Still Threatens Shore Communities
Cape May Court House, NJ Assemblymen Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan are calling out the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for pushing forward with coastal regulations that, even after revisions, remain deeply harmful to the economic stability and affordability of Shore towns.
“The DEP may have made a few adjustments under pressure, but make no mistake, this is still a terrible plan,” said Assemblyman Erik Simonsen. “The revised rules continue to punish homeowners, small businesses, and working families who are already doing everything they can to stay afloat.”
Despite scaling back some proposals, the DEP’s updated Resilient Environments and Landscape (REAL) rules still include the following:
A costly elevation mandate of 4 feet above FEMA’s base flood level, placing an expensive burden on property owners
Ongoing restrictions in inundation risk zones, limiting development and driving down property values
Overly complicated permitting and access requirements, which slow down projects and inflate construction costs
Minimal relief for everyday residents, with hardship exceptions narrowly tailored and mostly ineffective
Assemblyman McClellan emphasized the long-term impact: “The DEP backed down just enough to try to quiet opposition, but the reality is, this plan still threatens to make our Shore towns unaffordable and unsustainable. We will not stop fighting for real reform that respects science, protects the coast, and keeps our communities livable.”
The Assemblymen are encouraging residents to stay engaged by submitting public comments and participating in the DEP’s virtual hearing on September 3 at 6:00 p.m. The revised plan is still subject to public input before final adoption.
“This is not over,” Simonsen added. “We need to send a loud and clear message. Our communities deserve better.”
