As authorized by Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette’s Administrative Order No. 2023-08, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for consideration as members of the department’s inaugural Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council. Nominations are due by December 31, 2024. Interested applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or organization.
The Advisory Council will provide insight and feedback concerning the DEP’s identification, planning, and implementation of restoration projects in response to natural resource damage settlements. The Advisory Council will also assist the department in communicating restoration project objectives and outcomes to the public.
Click here for details on how to submit a nomination and additional information on qualification requirements.
Advisory Council Composition
The Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council will be composed of nine members:
- Two permanent members from the DEP – the Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization (CIER), who will serve as the Chair; and a representative from the DEP’s Office of Natural Resource Restoration (ONRR), appointed by the Chair.
Additionally, one member will be appointed by the Commissioner for a two-year term from each of the following sectors:
- A statewide organization dedicated to conservation, restoration, or preservation of natural resources.
- A statewide environmental justice organization.
- A regulated entity involved in remediation or restoration or a representative of such entities.
- An academic or research organization focused on natural resources.
- A local government unit concerned with environmental issues or stewardship of public lands, or a representative organization.
In addition, two public members will be appointed by the Commissioner for two-year terms.
Advisory Council Responsibilities
The Advisory Council is scheduled to convene in February 2025, with meetings lasting two hours each. The initial series of meetings will take place monthly from February through July. Following this inaugural schedule, the council will meet quarterly. Individuals appointed to the Advisory Council will serve a 24-month term.
During their tenure, council members will focus on the following:
- Developing recommendations for a public mechanism to identify and catalog potential restoration project opportunities.
- Supporting public engagement and communication efforts related to these projects.
- Recommending principles and priorities for the identification, planning, and implementation of restoration projects.
- Preparing an outline for an annual report that will identify potential restoration project opportunities.
Administrative Order 2023-08 and DEP’s NRD Responsibilities
Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 9 of the New Jersey Constitution, effective December 7, 2017, mandates that revenue from settlements and awards related to natural resource damages, collected due to environmental contamination, be credited annually to a special account in the General Fund. These funds are specifically dedicated to repairing, restoring, or replacing damaged natural resources, as well as covering legal expenses and costs associated with pursuing such claims.
The use of these funds is prioritized to first address damages in the area where they occurred. If no local project is available, the funds are then directed within the same water region, and finally, statewide if necessary. Additionally, up to 10% of the funds can be allocated for administrative costs.
In alignment with this constitutional mandate, Administrative Order No. 2023-08, issued by Commissioner LaTourette on March 14, 2023, outlines the state's natural resource restoration policy and the DEP's responsibilities in protecting and restoring natural resources in New Jersey.
A key component of this order is the establishment of the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council, designed to engage with the public regarding the DEP’s restoration projects. While the Advisory Council’s work and recommendations are strictly advisory, the selection and implementation of restoration projects remain at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The Advisory Council does not participate in collaborative processes with responsible parties but may advise on project implementation after settlements are reached. For more information on DEP’s natural resource restoration work, visit https://dep.nj.gov/nrr/.
For further information, contact Community Investment and Economic Revitalization at Onrr@dep.nj.gov.