EPA Solicits Nominations For National Environmental Justice Advisory Council

EPA announced in the Federal Register (87 Fed. Reg. 79,301) that it is inviting nominations for individuals to serve on its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC).  NEJAC is a chartered federal advisory committee that provides independent advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator about issues relating to environmental justice.  It consists of 32 members representing academia, business and industry; community-based organizations; non-governmental and environmental organizations; state and local governments; and tribal governments and indigenous organizations.  Members are appointed for one-, two- or three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment for another term.  NEJAC usually convenes four to six times per year; generally, two of the meetings are face-to-face and the rest are virtual.  Members are also asked to participate in work groups to address specific policy issues.  EPA estimates the average workload for members to be approximately 20 to 25 hours per month, not including public meetings, with the expectation that members will take part in two or more workgroups.  In this solicitation, EPA seeks to fill approximately ten new vacancies for terms through September 2024.  Any interested persons or organizations my nominate individuals for membership; self-nominations are also welcome.  EPA is particularly seeking nominees with knowledge in youth-led or youth-focused environmental organization; cumulative impacts; Title VI; environmental measures and tools; public health/health disparities; community sustainability and resilience; green jobs and green infrastructure; land use and equitable development; and emerging inclusion of sub-populations (e.g., unhoused individuals, veterans, and individuals in the criminal justice system).  Nominees will also be evaluated based on their background and experience that would contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the committee; demonstrated experience with environmental justice and community sustainability issues; interpersonal and consensus-building skills; and ability and willingness to volunteer and commit time to attend meetings, participate in workgroups, attend listening sessions, develop policy recommendations and prepare reports and advice letters.  Nominations must be submitted in electronic format following a template available on EPA’s website.  They should be submitted in time to arrive by no later than March 17, 2023.

For further information: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-12-27/pdf/2022-28078.pdf and https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nominations-nejac