For Immediate Release
February 26, 2026

Commissioner Director releases statement about REAL/PACT Rules implemented by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone released the following statement regarding the REAL/PACT Rules implemented by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

“I have a brief statement related to the REAL/PACT Rules recently implemented by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

First, “REAL/PACT” stands for Resilient Environments and Landscape/ Protecting Against Climate Threat, which is confusing to begin with.

Back in October 2025, Monmouth County Commissioners sounded the alarm about how these rules would impact the citizens of New Jersey, and we haven’t stopped since.

In January 2026, Monmouth County joined with Ocean County and Cape May County to file a lawsuit against the DEP to try to stop the implementation of these overprotective rules by the DEP.

To put these rules in context, if there is a storm that causes structural damage, anything in the area along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and many of the rivers that empty into the Atlantic Ocean, will be required to rebuild 5 feet ABOVE what is required by FEMA. This not only includes individual homes, but also municipal buildings, County buildings and roadways.

In Monmouth County, while we are doing all we can to ensure other counties and municipalities understand the magnitude of the consequences the REAL/PACT Rules could cause, we know that we need more partners in this fight.

I am happy to report that Senate President Nick Scutari, the Senator for Somerset and Union Counties, proposed a resolution, dated February 24, 2026, giving the DEP 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules on the grounds that they are inconsistent with legislative intent. I want to thank Senator Scutari for taking this essential step.

I also want to publicly commend Ocean County and Cape May County for immediately joining, and continuing the fight against these overreaching rules.

This Commissioner Board intends to continue with the lawsuit to protect the residents of Monmouth County until the DEP actually withdraws the rules. We will keep you posted on the status of the litigation, as well as on the status of Senate Resolution SCR106.”

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