New Jersey Takes a Big Step Toward Ensuring Greater Inland Flood Protection

Statement by: Kate Boicourt, Director for Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds program in New York-New Jersey, Environmental Defense Fund

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) supports the leadership of New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection and their commitment to protect communities from riverine flood risk and stormwater runoff. Announced recently, the administration will adopt the Inland Flood Protection Rule, which will bring flood hazard and storm regulations up to date with current rainfall maps. Additionally, the rule will ensure future development is built to withstand changing climate conditions. 

“Flooding and extreme storms, like Hurricane Sandy and Ida, have led to the loss of lives and more than $100 billion in total damages regionally. These events not only affect families along the coastline, but also impact inland communities. The Inland Flood Protection Rule and forthcoming coastal rules will help keep communities safer and leverage economic benefits. 

“We encourage the administration to continue supporting meaningful actions that build flood and climate resilience across the state of New Jersey.”  

- Kate Boicourt, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts & Watersheds, New York-New Jersey, Environmental Defense Fund  

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund

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