The Southern Ocean Chamber has been tracking the NJPACT REAL rulemaking process since its earliest stages, keeping members informed as the state moved toward adopting new climate‑focused land‑use standards. With the rules now officially in place, the Chamber continues its commitment to helping the community understand what these changes mean for coastal regions and local property owners.

On January 20, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection adopted the New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (NJPACT) Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) rules, a significant update to the state’s land‑use regulations. These rules revise coastal, wetlands, flood hazard, and stormwater standards to incorporate current climate science, including projected sea‑level rise and increased flood risks, ensuring that future development decisions reflect evolving environmental conditions.

Although the REAL rules became effective immediately, the Department established a 180‑day transition period allowing certain qualifying applications to continue under the previous regulations. 

To help the public and regulated community understand the implications of the REAL rules, the Southern Ocean Chamber of Commerce will address the topic during its 112th State of the Chamber event on January 30 at The Mainland, Manahawkin, beginning at 8:30 a.m. The keynote address will be delivered by Kristopher Krzyston, Vice President and Environmental Regional Market Leader at T&M Associates. Krzyston has more than thirty years of experience in environmental consulting, including work in wetlands science, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact analysis. T&M Associates is nationally recognized for its engineering and environmental services, and Krzyston’s presentation will focus on the new NJDEP rulings and their relevance to coastal New Jersey.

The adoption of the REAL rules marks a significant regulatory shift for the state, and the coming months are expected to involve continued outreach and education as municipalities, developers, and community members prepare for the end of the legacy period on July 20, 2026.

Learn more about the event and register here