TRENTON, NJ – Today, the Murphy Administration announced a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing protection for New Jersey residents from the severe impacts of extreme heat. The plan, called the Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan, involves 136 specific actions to be executed by state agencies to mitigate one of the most perilous climate-related hazards.
This initiative, the third of its kind nationally, was developed by the New Jersey Interagency Council on Climate Resilience with considerable public feedback.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the recent bouts of extreme temperatures as a call to action, underscoring the importance of equipping citizens with necessary resources and knowledge.
“In just the last few weeks, we have seen the dangers of increasingly hotter days for longer periods of time,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “We must continue to combat climate change while best preparing our residents with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves from extreme heat. The Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan lays out a critical roadmap that will help the State take the necessary steps to safeguard New Jerseyans.”
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette highlighted New Jersey’s rapid warming trend, noting the state’s position as one of the fastest warming in the country, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.
This plan sets clear goals to address the increasing dangers of extreme heat which threaten health, air quality, and food and water supplies.
“The facts are indisputable – New Jersey is among the fastest warming states and the impacts of extreme heat are becoming more profound, affecting the quality of life and health of our residents,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “Through the Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan, the Murphy Administration has established a clear set of goals and actions that will better protect New Jerseyans from the worsening impacts of climate change.”
Despite the claim that New Jersey is the fastest warming state in America, Murphy and LaTourette both sponsor the construction of more large and affordable housing projects that will clear forests to make room for high-density apartment complexes statewide under the state’s housing mandate.
Recent climate reports confirm New Jersey’s accelerated warming pace, with the third-hottest summer recorded in 2022. Furthermore, this past June marked the seventh consecutive month where temperatures exceeded modern averages, underscoring an urgent need for comprehensive climate resilience strategies.
As part of the state’s response to rising temperatures, multiple heat waves this summer prompted the activation of cooling centers and public health alerts to ensure the safety and health of New Jerseyans during critical heat events.
