The Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) is an 18-member advisory board of environmental justice constituents and stakeholders, representing grassroots, community organizing, academic, industry, and local government sectors throughout the state. Waterspirit’s Public Policy & Justice Organizer has been a member of the EJAC since 2025. The entire council is appreciative of input from the public, especially our young NJ residents.
The Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) uses its diverse expertise to advise DEP on how best to integrate environmental justice into agency-wide programs, policies, and activities. In addition to their advisory role, members also identify priority issues in NJ's environmental justice communities and work to address them through EJAC's established Air, Land, Water, and Environmental Education & Communication Working Groups.
Learn more about EJAC's past projects and contributions here
In 2025, EJAC held two public meetings to hear directly from communities about pressing environmental justice concerns affecting overburdened communities (OBCs). The insights shared helped spark new EJAC working group projects and continues to inform the Council’s advising on various environmental justice initiatives.
DISCUSSION TOPIC:
Environmental Justice for the future
What environmental justice issues should New Jersey be preparing for in the years ahead? As environmental challenges continue to evolve, new concerns and opportunities are coming to the forefront for communities across the state. EJAC welcomes input from residents, community organizations, advocates, and especially youth to share perspectives on environmental justice issues that should be prioritized for the future. The perspectives shared at this meeting will help identify emerging priorities.
Below are example prompts to consider when shaping effective comments:
Ways to strengthen youth participation and voices in environmental justice issues or decision making.
Measures to strengthen community resilience to climate impacts, including flooding, extreme heat and water scarcity.
What environmental justice issues do you believe will become increasingly important over the next 5-10 years, and what should New Jersey begin doing about it now?
Register for the Public Meeting!
Register to comment at the public meeting by October 12. Written comments can be submitted to environmentaljustice@dep.nj.gov until October 31. Please submit with your name and ‘EJAC Public Meeting Comment’ in the subject line.