Environmental Justice Law
NJ’s landmark Environmental Justice Law requires DEP to evaluate environmental and public health impacts of certain facilities on overburdened communities (OBCs) when reviewing certain applications. NJ is the first state required to issue denials for new facilities that cannot avoid disproportionate impacts on OBCs or serve compelling public interest. Regulations to implement the law are effective.
EJ Law & Policy
- Environmental Justice Law
- Environmental Justice Rule (English) (Español)
Response to Public Comments – EJ Rule Adoption (English) (Español) - Administrative Order Decisions
- Frequently Asked Questions (English) (Español)
- EJ Rule Training Video
EJ Rule Training Presentation (English) (Español) - Glossary of Terms
Important Information
- EJ Procedural Overview – A visual of how New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Rules work
- Historical Overview of DEP’s Environmental Justice Program 2018/08
- Executive Order No. 23 – Addresses Environmental Justice Issues in New Jersey’s Urban Communities 2018/04/20
- Furthering the Promise – A Guidance Document for Advancing Environmental Justice Across State Government 2020/06/29
- Administration Order No. 2021-25 – Directs DEP staff to meet legislative intent of New Jersey’s EJ law while implementing regulations were being developed 2021/09/22
- FAQs for AO 2021-25 – Frequently asked questions for AO 2021-25 about NJ’S EJ Law
- Administrative Order No. 2020-02 – Regarding the Environmental Justice Advisory Council 2020/02/03
Environmental Justice Archives
To learn about Environmental Justice in NJ, including the development of the EJ Law and rulemaking process, explore the Archived Information page.