DRBC Manager of Water Resource Operations Amy Shallcross, P.E., provided testimony before the New Jersey Assembly Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources.

The focus of the hearing was on how climate change impacts New Jersey infrastructure and its water resources.

Shallcross' testimony focused on the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on flooding, water supply and droughts. Warmer temperatures could mean more droughts, but also more intense storms, as warmer air holds more water. Managing water supplies to ensure there is enough water during dry periods but also not too much water during floods is vital.

Additionally, because the Delaware is undammed, water in the Delaware River Basin is managed to ensure there is ample freshwater flow to keep salty water from the ocean in the Delaware Bay and away from industry and drinking water intakes. Shallcross explained that sea level rise, coupled with less flow due to changes in precipitation patterns, poses risks to this important infrastructure.  

These are all issues that the DRBC is looking at with respect to climate change.

DRBC Climate Change Page

The New Jersey Assembly Special Committee on Infrastructure and Natural Resources includes several who represent legislative districts in the basin: Asm. Robert D. Clifton (R-12), Asw. Carol Murphy (D-7) and Anthony Verrelli (D-15).

We thank the committee for the opportunity to testify.

Click the image below to watch a recording of the hearing: