Progress Follows Early Executive Actions by Governor Sherrill
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Aug. 25, 2026) — The Commercial Real Estate Development Association – New Jersey Chapter (CREDA NJ) today applauded Governor Sherrill and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) for significantly reducing the backlog of applications for Freshwater Wetlands Letters of Interpretation (LOIs). CREDA NJ CEO Dan Kennedy calls the progress an important step toward a more timely, transparent and predictable environmental permitting process in New Jersey.
NJDEP has reduced the overall LOI backlog by 72% since the start of the Sherrill Administration. The Department has also completed review of 99% of complete LOI applications that had been pending for 18 months or more, as well as 95% of complete LOI applications that had been pending between 12 and 18 months.
“CREDA NJ commends Governor Sherrill and NJDEP for taking concrete action to address a longstanding challenge in the land-use and development process,” Kennedy said. “Reducing the overall LOI backlog by nearly three quarters, while completing nearly all of the oldest complete applications, demonstrates what can be accomplished when an agency focuses resources, improves internal coordination and works to provide greater certainty for applicants.”
Freshwater Wetlands LOIs are an important early step in determining whether freshwater-wetlands regulations apply to a proposed development project. Delays in obtaining these determinations can affect site planning, financing, design, construction schedules, and the delivery of housing, commercial space, infrastructure, and other community-serving projects.
Early Executive Actions Show Notable Promise
The progress follows early executive actions by Governor Sherrill focused on state permit efficiency and regulatory reform, with the goal of reducing administrative delays, lowering costs and increasing transparency across New Jersey.
“CREDA NJ appreciates Governor Sherrill’s work to improve transparency and accountability within the cross-agency permitting process through the launch of the Permitting Dashboard pilot, as well as her focus through Executive Order No. 5 on the development of permit shot clocks to reduce delays,” Kennedy said. “CREDA NJ has also been excited to participate in the Governor’s ‘21 County Tour’ and supports this administration’s emphasis on engagement with the business community.”
The improvements also reflect the implementation of Operation FAST – Facilitated Approvals for Sustainable Transformation – and other targeted operational reforms.
“Environmental protection and economic development are not competing goals,” Kennedy noted. “New Jersey can maintain its core environmental standards while also building a permitting system that is responsive, efficient and clear. The progress announced by NJDEP is encouraging, and we urge the Department to build on this momentum until the remaining backlog is eliminated and applicants experience consistently improved review times.”
CREDA NJ supports continued improvements that:
- Reduce application backlogs across state programs, including the NJDEP.
- Establish clear and reliable review timelines.
- Improve communication between agency staff and applicants.
- Expand transparency regarding application status and outstanding requirements.
- Use technology and coordinated staffing to make permitting more efficient.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor’s Administration, NJDEP, other state agencies and authorities, and local governments to support a permitting system that protects natural resources and enables responsible investment throughout the state,” Kennedy said.
The Commercial Real Estate Development Association, New Jersey Chapter (CREDA NJ) is a leading chapter of the nation’s premier trade association for developers, owners, investors and other affiliated professionals. As a highly respected industry resource with 850+ members serving all asset classes, CREDA NJ positions commercial real estate leaders to build vibrant spaces that create positive impacts on the state’s communities. CREDA (formerly NAIOP) underwent a national rebrand in 2026, but the New Jersey chapter’s mission remains the same: to elevate the state’s commercial real estate development industry by providing advocacy, education, research and connections to foster business opportunities. For more information, visit credanj.org.
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