Announcements
2024 Environmental Justice Advisory Council Workplan
DEP Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC) are excited to announce the publication of the 2024 EJAC Workplan. The document outlines the projects and priorities the council and its four working groups will be undertaking throughout the year to advance environmental justice. Highlights of the plan include increasing public engagement and community projects, such as Community Air Monitoring, Waterfront Public Access, and the Environmental Justice Seminar Series.
Murphy Administration Launches School Bus Electrification Program
New Jersey’s Electric School Bus Grant Program is aimed at safeguarding children's health from harmful pollutants. The program, funded by legislation signed by Governor Phil Murphy, will provide up to $45 million over three years for electric bus purchases and charging infrastructure. The initiative aligns with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and addresses the health risks posed by diesel buses.
Upcoming webinars will guide interested parties on program advantages and application processes:
Applications are due May 17.
Participation Opportunities
 Gloucester County Environmental Justice Community Engagement Session
This community engagement session is part of the Administration’s commitment to promoting environmental justice in New Jersey to ensure that all state residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, or income are able to live, learn, work, and recreate in a healthy and clean environment and to have equal access to green space, clean energy resources, and other environmental benefits.
Join us for an opportunity to engage directly with representatives from the DEP and EPA to address the environmental challenges impacting your community. The event will be in-person with Livestream via Zoom.
Location will be shared soon. Register today to attend and receive updates on event information.
 Navigating the DEP System: Understanding the Regulatory Process
Don't miss out on our enlightening seminar series! Following a successful kickoff in Newark, recordings of the presentations are now accessible on our website. Mark your calendars for the upcoming session on February 21 in Trenton. The next two seminars will delve into DEP's environmental justice laws, policies, and permitting processes. Join us for invaluable insights and discussions!
When: February 21 @ 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: NJDEP Building, 401 E State St, Trenton, NJ 08608
"Navigating the DEP System: A Series of Environmental Seminars for Overburdened Communities" is a series designed to help EJ advocates across the state understand our tools, regulations, permitting processes, and funding opportunities.
All seminars are free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. Attendance will be in person with an option to join via Zoom. Register online.
Upcoming Environmental Justice Law Public Hearings
February 5 - Kearny Generating Station, AO25 - Title V Renewal (virtual)
February 15 - Princeton University, Title V Renewal (virtual)
March 4 - Linden Generating Station, Title V Renewal (virtual)
April 1 - Energy Transfer Marketing - Newark Terminal, Title V Renewal (virtual)
Facilities subject to the Environmental Justice Law must facilitate meaningful opportunities for overburdened communities to engage in permitting decisions for pollution-generating facilities through an enhanced public participation process. Subscribe to EJ Law notices by County
Public Hearing: EPA Revised Emissions Standards for Municipal Solid Waste Combustors
EPA proposes updates to Clean Air Act standards for facilities burning municipal solid waste, aiming to reduce nine pollutants by 14,000 tons annually. If finalized, the changes would improve air quality for overburdened communities near these facilities. The proposal reflects advancements in pollution control technology. EPA last revised these standards in 2006 and plans to evaluate them every five years to incorporate developments in pollution control techniques.
A virtual public hearing will take place on February 7 from 11 AM to 7 PM. EPA is providing a 60-day public comment period for EJ advocates to weigh in.
Public Informational Meeting: Higbee Beach Wildlife Restoration Project
A $37.5 million ecological restoration project at Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area in Cape May County is set to begin this month. The project aims to enhance wildlife habitats and re-establish tidal flow.
An informational meeting on February 8 will address project details and benefits. DEP staff will provide an overview and address questions, and virtual participation is available. The restoration, funded with Natural Resource Damage funds, will benefit migratory birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, enhancing public enjoyment and wildlife observation opportunities. Register for the meeting online.
Call for Nominations: New Jersey's Black Heritage Trail
New Jersey Historical Commission's African American History Program invites nominations for sites along New Jersey's Black Heritage Trail. This initiative aims to highlight Black heritage through historical markers and a trail-like path, connecting stories of resilience and community. Submit nominations by March 8 at 2 PM.
EPA Seeking Grant Application Reviewers for Community Change Grants
Interested in Environmental Justice projects? EPA seeks diverse experts to review grant applications for the $2 billion Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program. Participate in the process to award transformative climate action and pollution reduction projects, supporting community-driven initiatives.
Compensation available for non-federal reviewers. Apply online.
Virtual Training: SWEA's Environmental Justice & Community Organizing 101
The South Ward Environmental Alliance (SWEA) will host a virtual training session on Wednesday, February 28 at 6 PM for those interested in learning about environmental justice and community organizing. Sign up to attend virtually.
Public Comment Period: Proposed Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map
DEP is seeking public feedback on the proposed Wharton State Forest Visiting Vehicle Use Map. Residents can review the materials online until March 9 and provide input to shape the final map. The map aims to designate legal driving routes while preserving natural resources and enhancing visitor experiences.
Funding and Technical Assistance Opportunities
In case you missed it, see below for opportunities that provide funding and assistance for projects related to green infrastructure, climate change, healthy communities, and more.
Funding Round Closing: 2024 Green Acres and Urban Parks Funding
Green Acres and Urban Parks 2024 round of grants and loans to local governments and nonprofits is now open. Funds can be used to establish, expand, or revitalize new and existing parks, acquire land, improve waterfront access, develop athletic fields and playgrounds, create open space, and enhance land stewardship. These grants aim to incentivize projects in Overburdened Communities within Urban Aid municipalities.
The deadline to submit applications is February 7. More information about the applications are available online.
EPA Community Change Grants Program
The EPA Environmental and Climate Justice Program (ECJP) Community Change Grants program is NOW OPEN! The program is funding projects to address environmental and climate injustices for communities facing legacy pollution, climate change, and persistent disinvestment. Technical assistance on your application will also be available. In total, $2 Billion will be rewarded with $50 million reserved for U.S. territories.
Recordings and slides from previous webinars are available online.
Applications close on November 21. Initial award selections will occur in March 2024 – with the suggested deadline of February 23, 2024 – and the anticipated start for initial selections will be in May/June 2024.
EPA Thriving Communities EJ Small Grants
EPA has launched its Thriving Communities Environmental Justice Grantmaking program, in which one organization in each EPA Region will serve as a Grantmaker - with Fordham University serving EPA Region 2 - awarding at least $600 million in Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Subgrants.
Fordham has already posted a form for those interested in applying from EPA Region 2. Those interested should also complete the Environmental Protection Network's survey for community organizations and other under-resourced entities interested in receiving pro bono assistance to create/envision projects for these funding opportunities.
|
All New Jersey residents, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, have a right to live, work, and recreate in a clean and healthy environment. Historically, New Jersey’s low-income communities and communities of color face a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors and, as a result, suffer from increased adverse health effects. New Jersey seeks to correct these outcomes by furthering the promise of environmental justice.
DEP’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) aims to improve the quality of life in New Jersey’s most vulnerable communities by educating and empowering communities who are often outside of government decision-making processes and guiding DEP’s programs and other state departments and agencies in implementing environmental justice.
|
|
