(10/P111) TRENTON - In keeping with its commitment to transparency and reform, the Department of Environmental Protection today posted a compilation of the suggestions received from hundreds of employees offering ideas on meeting Commissioner Bob Martin's goals of making the department a more effective agency that better serves the public.

"I am greatly encouraged by the level of participation and excitement that is spreading throughout the DEP," Commissioner Martin said. "These suggestions provide a solid platform as we embark on the critical mission of making the DEP more flexible and responsive to the needs of New Jersey while protecting the environment, natural resources and beauty of this state. These ideas will be critical in working toward increased efficiencies that will ultimately make environmental protection a catalyst for economic growth."

So far the DEP has compiled more than 700 responses, and more continue to come in. Each submitted comment will be posted on the Web site. So far, employees have suggested a wide range of ideas for improvements to operations, elimination of redundant functions, and regulatory and legislative changes that could help the department.

Last week, Commissioner Martin released the DEP's Transformation Plan, which will guide the department's reform efforts over the coming months. The plan outlines a series of specific steps for the DEP's management team to follow as it develops reforms for each of the agency's major program areas. Every employee's suggestion will be read by senior management and presented to internal and external stakeholders who will be helping the DEP through its transformation.

"This is an exciting time for the DEP. Employees are embracing our customer-service goals," Commissioner Martin said. "But change is also difficult. Understandably, some people may have reservations or concerns. Gathering employee suggestions is a critical part of letting them know that his or her ideas are valued. Making it possible for the public to see these ideas on-line is an equally important step in letting the public see how we are working to serve New Jersey better."

To read employee suggestions, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/commissioner/transformationsuggestions.pdf

To read the Transformation Plan, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/commissioner/2010transformationplan.pdf

To read the Vision and Priorities documents that are the basis for the DEP's transformation, visit: http://www.nj.gov/dep/commissioner/vision-priorities.pdf