October, 2016 - New Jersey - We are pleased to congratulate UWGUC President, James Horne on his appointment to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Environmental Justice Advisory Council (Council). Horne's appointment was announced in late October and as a member of the Council, Horne, along with 17 other members, will be tasked in furthering the mission of DEP by providing valuable insight to DEP leadership on issues concerning environmental justices and public health.
This past September, Environmental Justice Coordinator, Riché Outlaw signed an administrative order to reorganize the Council to better fulfill its mission and the Council will play a critical role in helping DEP provide environmental protection and restoration statewide, especially within urban communities. Other critical tasls include but are not limited to: establishing comprehensive strategies and identifying best practices to address health disparities, sustainability, equitable development, community and economic revitalization and, resilience in overburdened communities.
“The appointment of Mr. Horne to the Environmental Justice Advisory Council represents the inclusion of a strong voice for community development. His advocacy and leadership in the areas of health and human services will be a great asset to the Council. The Council plays an important role in helping DEP meet its mission of providing environmental protection and restoration statewide, especially within our urban communities. We look forward to the advice and wisdom Mr. Horne will provide to Commissioner Martin in the advancement of Environmental Justice.” -Riche Liché, Environmental Justice Coordinator
In 1998, under the leadership of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, an Environmental Equity Task Force was created later to be known as the Environmental Justice Advisory Council. The task force sought to respond to environmental justice work at the federal level by the US Environmental Protection Agency and it's National Environmental Justice Advisory Council.