This month, Clean Water Action celebrates a significant milestone as X Braithwaite, our dedicated Environmental Justice Organizer, is sworn into the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Environmental Justice Advisory Council (EJAC). This appointment underscores a commitment to environmental justice and promises a brighter, more equitable future for communities across New Jersey.
EJAC: Championing Environmental Justice for All
EJAC is dedicated to a core tenet of the Environmental Justice Movement: every community, regardless of racial, ethnic, or economic composition, deserves equal protection from environmental hazards. The council provides a vital platform for discussing and integrating environmental justice into the NJDEP’s programs, policies, and activities. Representing a broad spectrum of constituents and geographies, EJAC members offer diverse perspectives and guidance that enhance the NJDEP’s capacity to support New Jersey's environmental justice stakeholders effectively.
The Role of EJAC in Advising and Guiding the NJDEP
The primary purpose of EJAC is to advise the NJDEP Commissioner on environmental justice issues and to collaborate with the NJDEP’s Office of Environmental Justice. By providing expert advice and guidance, EJAC helps shape the state’s environmental policies, ensuring they reflect the needs and concerns of all communities. The council consists of eighteen members representing a diverse array of sectors, including local grassroots groups, statewide social justice organizations, environmental advocacy organizations, faith-based groups, academia, public health, and business sectors.
EJAC’s work is organized into specialized working groups: Environmental Education and Communications (EEC), Air, Land, and Water. Each member, including X Braithwaite, will focus on the specific issues relevant to their assigned working group. These groups are instrumental in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by overburdened communities, ensuring that environmental justice considerations are deeply embedded in the NJDEP’s decision-making processes.
A Vision for Environmental Justice
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as “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.” This vision is central to the mission of EJAC and NJDEP.
Historically, New Jersey’s low-income communities and communities of color have been subject to a disproportionately high number of environmental and public health stressors. Pollution from numerous industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities has burdened these communities, leading to increased adverse health effects, including asthma, cancer, elevated blood lead levels, cardiovascular disease, and developmental disorders.
Enhancing Environmental Justice Through Law
New Jersey’s landmark Environmental Justice Law requires the NJDEP to evaluate the environmental and public health impacts of certain facilities on Overburdened Communities (OBCs) when reviewing specific applications. The state is the first in the nation to mandate denial of permits for new facilities that cannot avoid disproportionate impacts on OBCs or serve a compelling public interest.
OBCs are defined as communities where low-income, minority, or otherwise marginalized populations face greater exposure to environmental risks and adverse health outcomes. This law is a critical step toward ensuring these communities receive fair treatment and meaningful involvement in environmental decision-making processes.
Shaping a Better Future
EJAC's mission aligns with these legal frameworks, working to enhance and implement laws that protect overburdened communities. By advising the NJDEP and other executive branch departments, EJAC helps ensure that environmental justice is a key consideration in all relevant policies and programs. This collaboration aims to mitigate the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities and create healthier, more sustainable environments for all New Jersey residents.
Call to Action: Your Voice Matters
As X Braithwaite takes on this critical role within EJAC, it’s important to remember that community voices are at the heart of effective environmental justice advocacy. The council’s diverse representation and established working groups ensure that every member is focused on the key issues affecting their communities. However, meaningful change requires active participation from all of us.
We encourage community members to stay engaged, share their experiences, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue about environmental justice. Your voices matter. Together, we can ensure that all communities, regardless of their background, are protected from environmental hazards and have a say in the policies that affect their environment, health, and future.
For more information on how to get involved and support Clean Water Action’s environmental justice initiatives, visit our website.
