Minnesotans
Encouraged to Apply To Serve By May 16
St. Paul, Minn.– Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner
John Linc Stine has announced his plan to form an Environmental Justice advisory
group to advise the agency on agency matters related to environmental justice.
The group will provide input and recommendations about ways to incorporate the
principles of environmental justice into the agency’s work. It will consist of
up to 12 members serving two-year terms.
“It's far too easy to talk about remedying the disproportionate
impacts of past pollution and preventing future harms,” said MPCA Commissioner
John Linc Stine. “We must put our words into action, and this advisory group is
one of many steps we’re taking to fully integrate environmental justice into
our programs."
MPCA’s Environmental Justice Framework, released in December 2015,
outlines goals and strategies to ensure that all Minnesotans benefit equally
from environmental protection. Forming the Environmental Justice Advisory group
is one step intended to increase engagement between the public and the agency.
The Advisory Group will provide recommendations and advise the
MPCA Commissioner in four key areas, including:
-
Evaluating
the effectiveness of the MPCA in implementing its environmental justice
framework, including assisting the MPCA in determining ways to measure success;
-
Providing
recommendations to the MPCA Commissioner on improvements to policies and
procedures to ensure integration of environmental justice principles into the
MPCA’s work;
-
Providing
input to the MPCA on activities and timeframes for framework implementation;
and
- Collaborating
with the MPCA to improve civic engagement around environmental justice
issues.
MPCA will be hosting two information sessions in the Twin Cities metro
area to provide more background on the group’s scope, function, and goals
before the May 16th application deadline. The Environmental Justice
Advisory Group charter and application materials can be found on MPCA’s website.
Commissioner Stine encourages Minnesotans to apply to serve on the
Advisory Group, by submitting the application on the MPCA website. In order to
intentionally create a diverse committee, candidates from diverse racial and
cultural backgrounds and residents of greater Minnesota are encouraged apply. The
application deadline is May 16, 2016. Contact Environmental Justice Coordinator
Ned Brooks at Ned.Brooks@state.mn.us or call 651-757-2557 with any questions.
Broadcast version
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner has announced
his plan to form an environmental justice advisory group. The group will
provide recommendations and feedback to the Commissioner about how to help
incorporate environmental justice principles into agency work.
Applications can be found on the M-P-C-A website and are being accepted through May 16, 2016.
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The mission of the MPCA is to protect and improve the environment and enhance human health.
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www.pca.state.mn.us • Toll-free and TDD 800-657-3864
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