In this issue...
...and something fun!
In accordance with the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act, New Jersey is required to assess its Coastal Management Program (CMP) every five years and provide a strategy for program enhancements. This process is known as the “309 Assessment & 5-Year Strategy”, an initiative to enhance New Jersey’s coastal resilience over the next five years. For more information on the 309 Assessment and Strategy, and to view the draft document, please visit the NJDEP 309 site.
The NJ CMP invites stakeholders and community members to provide written feedback by emailing NJ...@dep.nj.gov by Friday, January 23rd, 2026. Your participation helps advance New Jersey’s efforts to protect and sustain its coastal resources.
Stay connected and informed by following us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
The DEP is pleased to announce that its Accomplishments magazine, Better Than We Found It, is now live online. Visit dep.nj.gov/better to explore the progress DEP has made since 2018 in strengthening environmental protection and safeguarding public health.
A series of videos has also been released with highlights from each of the magazine chapters. Check out this highlight reel corresponding to the chapter on Building Resilience to Extreme Weather and Climate Change.
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Join us at the Seaview Hotel in Galloway, NJ, from March 9-11, 2026, for an exciting, three-day event hosted by DEP and the New Jersey Coastal Resilience Collaborative. This year's conference will gather the best and the brightest coastal and climate resilience practitioners from New Jersey and beyond to explore critical issues—and solutions—that will shape New Jersey's climate and coastal future.
The second-ever biennial conference features a diverse array of activities and sessions, including informative panels and presentations, an immersive field trip opportunity, and time throughout the conference for networking and socializing with peers. The latest conference agenda can be found on the NJCRC website.
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The DEP, along with colleagues from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Human Services, published the 2025 New Jersey Scientific Report on Climate Change, which summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of climate change on New Jerseyans and the environment. The purpose of this report is to inform state and local decision-makers, as well as the citizens they support, as they seek to understand and respond to climate change. The report identifies and presents the best available science and existing data regarding the current and anticipated environmental effects of climate change in our state. The 2025 report also incorporates several recent New Jersey specific studies, the latest reports from federal and international sources, and updated information about the impacts on human health and communities
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The Resilient NJ program is pleased to announce two new regional projects selected for funding in 2026: The Shark River Basin Region, led by Monmouth County, and the Lower Passaic River Region, led by Montclair Township. These projects will provide climate resilience planning services to a total of eleven municipalities across two counties.
Additionally, in early 2026, the Resilient NJ program is offering New Jersey municipalities another opportunity to apply to participate in collaborative regional planning efforts. Up to four regional teams will receive grants of up to $300,000 each and be matched with a multidisciplinary team of contractors to develop comprehensive regional resilience action plans. Regional teams must include at least three contiguous municipalities and one community-based organization.
The DEP announced nearly $11 million in awards to bolster carbon sequestration efforts through its Natural Climate Solutions program. These grants will fund three key projects aimed at mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by restoring coastal wetlands and expanding urban tree canopies in Stone Harbor, Stafford Township, and Montclair. Funded by proceeds from New Jersey’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the three selected projects exemplify innovative approaches to address climate change by enhancing natural buffers and restoring critical ecosystems. Projects include the Scotch Bonnet Island project at the Wetlands Institute in Stone Harbor, the Stafford Resiliency Program at Popular Point, and the Montclair State University Green Canopy Project.
Notably, the $5 million allocated to restore 23 acres of tidal salt marsh on Popular Point in Stafford was a project identified in the Resilient Stafford Action Plan, which was developed with funding awarded in 2022 by the Resilient NJ program. This latest grant award announcement increases the number of successful Resilient NJ-related funding awards from $26.5 million to $31.5 million.
New Jersey continues to prioritize nature-based solutions that protect communities and infrastructure from flooding and severe storm impacts, with additional RGGI funding available through a rolling admission period. For more details on application processes and eligibility, visit the DEP's grant program page.
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Recently featured in Inside Climate News—the oldest and largest climate newsroom in the nation—New Jersey’s Blue Acres program continues to serve as a national model for transforming flood-prone properties into resilient landscapes and giving flood-impacted homeowners a fresh start. Since its inception in 1995, the initiative has acquired and demolished approximately 1,200 repeatedly flooded properties, converting them into buffer zones and open space to better absorb stormwater. Highlighted as a national model, the program streamlines funding, engages municipalities, and supports homeowners through tough transitions, providing a critical mitigation option for NJ homeowners facing repeated flooding.
Read the full story to discover how Blue Acres’ combination of innovative funding, local leadership, and homeowner-first support is helping New Jersey build stronger, more flood-resilient communities.
On December 23, 2025, Bill A6275 was signed by Governor Murphy, appropriating $44.4 million from dedicated Corporate Business Tax revenues to DEP for the State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation. Of those appropriated funds, $21,375,000 was allocated for Blue Acres voluntary flood buyouts. Historically, Blue Acres has been funded primarily through Federal grants, but in the past two years, there have been substantial state allocations. State funding enables the program to proceed at an expedited pace and broadens the eligibility criteria of interested homeowners, though continues to prioritize primary residences that have a documented history of significant flooding.
Blue Acres continues to accept voluntary buyout applications from interested homeowners on a rolling basis. For buyout details, FAQs, and to apply, visit dep.nj.gov/blueacres.
OSRCT was recognized for its leadership in addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Over the past year, the office expanded its “Beat the Heat” campaign, implementing urban cooling strategies such as tree planting, pocket parks, and cool roof projects. Additionally, the OSRCT emphasizes environmental justice and community engagement through programs like the “Unconference,” which fosters inclusive decision-making; the “Gen Green Initiative,” which promotes youth-led participatory budgeting for environmental projects; and the “Love Your Block” microgrant program, which supports neighborhood-scale green infrastructure.
For more information about the program and to learn more about this year’s winners, visit dep.nj.gov/awards.
The New Jersey Interagency Council on Climate Resilience has recently released its 2025 Annual Report, which highlights actions taken by departments and agencies across state government to enhance New Jersey’s resilience to climate change. The report outlines key initiatives, including the 2025 update to New Jersey’s Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan, proposed land-use regulations to better protect coastal communities from sea-level rise, and the integration of climate-resilience considerations into roadway planning, design, and construction.
Together, these actions demonstrate a coordinated, cross-agency approach to reducing climate risk and preparing New Jersey for future conditions. The full report is available online. Read the press release here.
On December 5, 2025, Rolling Stone published an article entitled “Floods and Storms are Ravaging the Jersey Shore. Why do we keep building it back?” by Susan Crawford which delves into the pressing challenges facing New Jersey’s coastline and explores the state’s ongoing efforts to enhance resilience against climate-driven disasters.
The piece emphasizes the urgent need for transformative policies that prioritize long-term safety and strategic planning and highlights the importance of rethinking development strategies to ensure the protection of communities and natural resources.
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Winter Warming refers to the trend of rising winter temperatures. Globally, the average temperatures during the coldest months of the year are steadily rising, and extreme cold events are becoming less frequent.
New Jersey is notably impacted. According to the Office of the State Climatologist, the average temperatures have increased by 5.6°F since weather data collection began in 1895. For a more in-depth understanding of winter warming and its implications, refer to the NJDEP’s 2025 Scientific Report on Climate Change.
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Something Fun
How does NJDEP celebrate the holidays?
With sustainable goals and resolutions!
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Check out employment opportunities and paid internships throughout the NJDEP!
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