July

July 29, 2013

July expected to be among N.J.’s Top 10 hottest ever for 4th year straight. The last four Julys in New Jersey have been among the hottest ever recorded in the state, a trend that mirrors worldwide changes. Not only is summer becoming hotter at its peak but it is also covering a longer time period with June and September increasingly taking on summerlike characteristics. These changes have important impacts on the management of electric and water utilities. The state climatologist at Rutgers University and CECI affiliate Dave Robinson says that the changes are “remarkable” and that "it’s undeniable that New Jersey has gotten warmer."

July 29, 2013

Global Warming, Development Lure Jellyfish to Barnegat Bay. According to Rutgers research Mike Kennish, a research professor with the Rutgers Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences as well as a CECI affiliate, Barnegat Bay has been experiencing increased numbers of stinging jellyfish over recent years as a result of global warming and coastal development.

July 31, 2013

Jersey Fresh: South Jersey farmers feel climate change effects, and making wine. Farmers in South Jersey are beginning to rethink what they grow as many of them are witnessing changes in New Jersey’s climate. The Heritage Family farm, located in Mullica Hill, is usually known for its peaches and apple production, but in more recent years, this family has been growing grapes, too. The warmer temperatures allow for grapes such as Malbec to be grown in the Garden State. Rich Heritage, director of marketing for the winery was quoted, "Climate change is definitely something we're aware of and we talk about." He noted, "We will have New Jersey's very first commercial release of Malbec and that's a clear-cut example of climate change allowing us to make new wines."

July 8, 2013

New Jersey Supreme Court Side with Harvey Cedars in Dune Compensation Case. The New Jersey Supreme Court has unanimously sided with the Borough of Harvey Cedars in an important case regarding the proper degree of compensation owed to homeowners in cases where eminent domain is applied to construct protective sand dunes along the shore. Lower courts had previously ruled that homeowners were due potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars per case for decreased property value associated with the construction of dunes. However, the N.J. Supreme Court ruled that the protective benefits derived from such dunes should be included in the calculation of the compensation packages, thus drastically reducing their potential payout. The ruling is considered a victory for municipalities along the shore who faced potentially prohibitive costs in implementing protective barriers and beach replenishment projects if the lower court ruling had stood.

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  1. July 9, 2013