Murphy administration launches Climate Week, honors Watershed Institute for stormwater work
TRENTON, N.J. — The Murphy administration opened New Jersey Climate Week on Monday by touting state progress on climate resilience and honoring The Watershed Institute for its work in improving regional stormwater management.
The nonprofit received the state’s fifth Our Water’s Worth It award, which highlights efforts to protect New Jersey’s water resources. Officials credited the group with helping municipalities and residents collaborate on stormwater planning, a key factor in managing heavier rains and more frequent flooding.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said the recognition reflects both the urgency and the importance of addressing climate challenges.
“I commend The Watershed Institute for its commitment to protecting the environment of Central New Jersey and keeping our water clean, safe and healthy,” LaTourette said. “The Watershed Institute understands the urgency to create a more climate-resilient future for all New Jersey residents.”
Gov. Phil Murphy, marking the start of Climate Week, pointed to the state’s vulnerability as the most densely populated in the nation.
“New Jersey will continue to experience some of the greatest impacts of climate change,” Murphy said. “We face serious flooding threats … Through the work of DEP and coordination across many other state agencies, we are driving down our greenhouse gas emissions and providing the strong leadership and investments needed to equip our communities.”
The weeklong series of events is designed to showcase climate science and highlight state initiatives, such as the Climate Change Resilience Strategy and the Coastal Resilience Plan. In recent years, the Department of Environmental Protection has advanced projects ranging from storm-risk reduction in shore towns to inland flood protections and property buyouts through its Blue Acres program.
Jim Waltman, executive director of The Watershed Institute, said the award comes as communities grapple with increasingly visible effects of climate change.
“Communities across New Jersey are experiencing the harmful impacts of climate change — from increased flooding to polluted stormwater that threatens both our health and our waterways,” Waltman said. “Addressing these challenges requires regional collaboration, and we are proud to help bring together municipalities, community leaders, and residents to find shared solutions.”
State officials said Climate Week is also meant to educate residents on steps they can take individually to reduce risk and adapt.
“There is no doubt that the climate is changing, and so we must change as well,” said Jennifer M. Coffey, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions.
