Sherrill Administration Pauses Review of Climate Rules Finalized During Last Days of Murphy Administration

May 29, 2026 | roi-nj.com

Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration has paused the review of the NJ PACT/REAL climate‑resilience rules by applying her new administration’s regulatory freeze, raising questions about whether the controversial rules will move ahead or be reconsidered. 

The state Department of Environmental Protection proposed a rule extending the legacy period in the recently adopted PACT/REAL Land Use rules for another year. The DEP said this will allow the agency to engage the regulated community, local governments, nonprofits, and the public as part of a comprehensive review to identify targeted amendments to ensure these rules balance safety, community, development and infrastructure, and environmental goals and concerns. This action stems from the governor’s Executive Order No. 7, which imposed a 90‑day pause on new or pending regulations for affordability and efficiency review.

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NJ SEED: It is a wise decision pause, take a deep breath, and a closer look at rules promulgated by an ever-aggressive DEP that were rushed through in the final hours of the previous administration. Both DEP and stakeholders deserve more time to assess the impact of the proposed rules.