New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR59

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

Impact

The implications of ACR59 suggest a significant shift regarding how environmental regulations are enacted in New Jersey. If passed, the resolution would compel the DEP to reconsider its proposed regulatory changes within 30 days of the resolution's transmittal. This action implies that any sweeping changes—including those affecting property taxes, the cost of living, and development costs for homes and businesses—should only be legislated through proper channels, ensuring that they align with the interests and needs of New Jersey constituents.

Summary

ACR59 is an Assembly Concurrent Resolution that questions the authority and intent behind the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) proposed rules and regulations known as 'New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes' (NJPACT - REAL). The resolution claims that these proposed rules, particularly those that would significantly enlarge the Flood Hazard Area under existing environmental laws, were enacted without proper legislative authorization and are thus inconsistent with the legislative intent. ACR59 asserts the need for legislative oversight in regulating such impactful environmental changes.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding ACR59, particularly regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of New Jersey's government. Proponents of the resolution argue that the DEP overstepped its constitutional authority by unilaterally proposing new laws without legislative enactment. Critics might contend, however, that urgent measures are necessary to combat the dire impacts of climate change, with a viewpoint that existing delay in legislative action could exacerbate environmental issues, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions of the state.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR150

Carry Over Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR122

Carry Over Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

Similar Bills

CA ACA2

Legislature: retirement.

CA SB699

Legislature: constitutional course.

MI HR0041

A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.

TX HB1615

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of certain local laws concerning water and wastewater special districts, including a conforming amendment.

AK SCR1

Art. Ii, Sec. 16, Const: Veto Recon

TX HB1620

Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.

CA AB26

Eliminate the Politicians’ Perks Act of 2025.

NJ S1701

Requires legislative approval of changes to core curriculum content standards and Statewide assessments.