New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection is holding different sets of meetings for stakeholders trying to shape new coastal development rules. In doing so, the Sherrill administration is giving nine groups a seat at the table while effectively limiting others’ input during months of high-stakes discussions.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill spawned a new scramble to shape her administration’s regulatory approach in May by delaying a landmark climate change rule that former Gov. Phil Murphy created to protect new development along the Jersey Shore.
In recent days, DEP invited nine organizations to a “working group” that will have six weekly meetings starting next week and run through September, some of which will likely be in person in Trenton.
Other stakeholders got invited to a single, virtual meeting.
