[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Apply Now!” btn_color=”primary” btn_align=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1773941921201{border-radius: 4px !important;border-color: #DD3333 !important;}” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fdeptest.nj.gov%2Fej%2Fejac-membership-application%2F%3F|title:Apply%20Now!”]<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC)<\/a> and make a difference in New Jersey’s environmental justice initiatives! NJDEP is seeking applications to fill six (6) vacancies for 3-year terms through 2029. The Council advises the DEP Commissioner on environmental justice matters, coordinates with the Department’s Office of Environmental Justice, and provides guidance to Executive Branch departments and agencies. Members represent diverse sectors and have contributed to crucial initiatives like the Environmental Justice Law,<\/a>\u00a0the\u00a0Environmental Justice Seminar series<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0What\u2019s in My Community Tool<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sectors with available seats:<\/strong><\/p>\n Applications are due April 24th, 2026. <\/strong>Please review the\u00a0EJAC Membership Solicitation FAQs<\/a>\u00a0for more information.<\/p>\n [\/vc_cta][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5061″ img_size=”full” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”7\/12″][vc_column_text]The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as \u201cthe fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFair treatment<\/em>\u201d means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, and commercial operations or policies.<\/p>\n \u201cMeaningful involvement<\/em>\u201d means that people have an opportunity to participate in decisions about activities that may affect their environment and\/or health; the public’s contribution can influence the regulatory agency’s decision; community concerns will be considered in the decision-making process; and decision makers will seek out and facilitate the involvement of those potentially affected.<\/p>\n Historically, New Jersey\u2019s low-income communities and communities of color have been subject to a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors, including pollution from numerous industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities located in those communities and, as a result, suffer from increased adverse health effects including, but not limited to, asthma, cancer, elevated blood lead levels, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”5\/12″][vc_video link=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gsToByN_JN4″ align=”center” el_class=”my-0″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]There are no upcoming events at this time. Check back soon or subscribe to our newsletter<\/a> for up-to-date event announcements.<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Environmental Justice Rule Implementation” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/ej-rules-implementation\/” bgimg=”5065″]View EJ Rule resources for facilities, application documents, public meeting information, and more.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Community Engagement Sessions” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/ej-order-meetings\/” bgimg=”5067″]See recordings and meeting notes from past meetings on localized EJ issues and information on upcoming events.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Environmental Justice Seminars” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/seminars\/” bgimg=”5066″]Learn about EJ topics and DEP resources that benefit overburdened communities.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row equal_height=”yes”][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Overburdened Communities” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/communities\/” bgimg=”5070″]Learn about DEP\u2019s legal definition for EJ communities and where they are in the state.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Environmental Justice Advisory Council” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/ej-council\/” bgimg=”5062″]Meet the council of EJ advocates and industry professionals that advise the DEP on various initiatives.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][info-box-shortcode title=”Environmental Justice Directory” buttontitle=”Learn More” buttonlink=”https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/ej\/ej-directory\/” bgimg=”5063″]Connect with EJ advocates throughout the state and join the directory.[\/info-box-shortcode][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5064″ img_size=”full” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” css=”” link=”https:\/\/experience.arcgis.com\/experience\/548632a2351b41b8a0443cfc3a9f4ef6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]An interactive map that shows NJ\u2019s overburdened communities, major polluting facilities, and combined stressors in a given area.<\/p>\n View Map<\/a><\/p>\n Technical Guidance<\/a> [\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/3″][vc_single_image image=”5105″ img_size=”large” css=””][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text css=””]An agency self-assessment to serve as a roadmap for a more equitable and just set of services and initiatives to better serve overburdened communities (OBCs) across New Jersey.<\/p>\n While the EJ Law\u00a0focuses\u00a0outward on certain types of polluting facilities\u00a0the DEP\u00a0regulates,\u00a0the action plan\u00a0turns the lens inward,\u00a0ensuring that\u00a0environmental justice\u00a0principles\u00a0guide all DEP\u00a0policies, resources allocations, and engagement strategies.<\/p>\n\n
What is Environmental Justice?<\/h2>\n
Upcoming Event(s)<\/h2>\n
EJ Mapping, Assessment and Protection Tool (EJMAP)<\/h2>\n
Quick Links<\/h4>\n
\nMarch 2026 Data Update<\/a> <\/i>
\nData Documentation<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\nEnvironmental Justice Action Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n