NJDEP | Environmental Justice

Volkswagen Settlement Fund project proposal deadline has been extended by 30 days.

The new deadline is July 22, 2020. Please click here for more information.

Office of Environmental Justice

Environmental Protection through Public Involvement

DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) aims to empower residents and communities who are often outside of the decision-making process of government, address environmental concerns to improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s overburdened communities, and guide state agencies and the DEP’s program areas in incorporating environmental justice.

Environmental Justice is the 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.

Fair treatment means that no group of people, including a racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.

Meaningful involvement means that that public has 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.

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Spotlights

COVID-19 Regulatory Compliance Info

Click here for information on steps DEP is taking to address COVID-19-related regulatory compliance issues in New Jersey.

Addressing Climate Change

Climate change severely affects overburdened communities. New Jersey is taking bold steps to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change, including specific actions to support clean energy in underserved communities.

RGGI Strategic Funding Plan

The RGGI strategic funding plan scoping document informs the public about the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the distribution of the RGGI auction proceeds.

NJ PACT

New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT) is a targeted regulatory reform effort to update environmental laws to address climate change.

NJ DEP Message on
Social Justice

We must listen to and amplify the voices of people of color. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stands with its black and brown employees and all people of color in New Jersey, and across the country, in pursuit of social, economic and environmental justice.

We can and must do better to further the promise of equality—for all.

Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) Statement on the Death of George Floyd ^(pdf)