NJDEP Adopts Legacy Provision Extension for the Proposed PACT REAL Rule

September 22, 2026

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has formally adopted amendments extending the legacy period under the NJPACT Resilient Environment and Landscapes (REAL) rules by one year, through July 20, 2027, to allow additional evaluation of the program and identify opportunities to improve permitting efficiency, consistency, and accountability.

The extension applies to portions of the Coastal Zone Management, Freshwater Wetlands, Stormwater Management, and Flood Hazard Area Control Act rules and was adopted without change following a public review and comment process.

Projects meeting established eligibility requirements will continue to qualify for review under pre-REAL regulatory standards during the extended legacy period, providing regulatory certainty as the Department evaluates potential refinements to the program.

T&M staff continue to monitor all policy changes and are available to assist with your projects.

Read the full release here.