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The Office of Legislative Affairs serves as the Department’s main line of inquiry for all elected officials in NJ.

The office is responsible for aiding the Commissioner, Governor’s office, Federal, office and the Legislature through the dissemination of information, coordinating meetings, conducting site visits, organizing, and attending conferences and conducting research on issues related to DEP and legislative matters.  The Office assists in the resolution of problems and concerns between legislative entities and the department.

As a national leader in environmental protection, the New Jersey DEP uses the best science available to protect public health, support its diverse natural resources and create vibrant and sustainable communities that provide economic opportunity for all.

The Office of Legislative Affairs is interested in working with highly motivated interns who will be assigned task/projects to complete in a timely manner. This opportunity will allow our interns to show the ability to work independently and show initiative. We welcome our interns to exercise their work-related strengths and support the practice of our interns in the areas of professional etiquette and communication in the workplace. We allow our interns to enter dialogue, indicate areas in which they desire help or input from the division/department.

To view our current internship opportunities please follow the link below:
https://www.nj.gov/dep/jobs/#internships 

DEP PRINCIPLES

  1. Follow the law
  2. Use the best available science
  3. Listen to all sides
  4. Find the best balance
  5. Be transparent and honest with the public

DEP PRIORITIES

  1. Reduce and Respond to Climate Change From threats to its coastline to rising temperatures, New Jersey has an urgent need to lead the way in addressing climate change.The DEP will work to achieve:
    • A robust public dialog about the impacts of climate change
    • A clean, renewable energy economy (100% by 2050)
    • Resilient coastlines and flood-prone areas
  2. Protect New Jersey’s Water-Safe, clean water is vital to New Jersey’s health, quality of life and economy. The DEP protects this precious resource by preventing pollution, cleaning up contamination, ensuring ample supply and investing in strong infrastructure. The DEP will work to achieve:
    • Safe, reliable, and ample drinking water supplies
    • Waters that are swimmable and fishable
    • Standards and treatment that reflect the best available science
  3. Revitalize Our Communities and Protect Public Health-Cleaner environments promote stronger communities. The DEP plays a major role in strengthening communities by reducing environmental burdens, working with partners to support new economic opportunities and improving the day-to-day life for all, especially vulnerable populations. The DEP will work to achieve:
    • True partnership with communities on environmental, social, and economic projects
    • Improved delivery of services in vulnerable communities
    • Environmental projects that closely align with community and local priorities
    • Revitalization and economic growth that preserve natural resources and foster redevelopment
  4. Manage and Promote Thriving Natural & Historic Resources-From the Atlantic Ocean to its forests, New Jersey is a diverse and inclusive place rich in history, wildlife and open space.  The DEP encourages all New Jersey residents and visitors to experience the state first-hand. The DEP will work to achieve:
    • Healthy and vibrant natural and cultural resources
    • Open spaces that are actively preserved and adaptively managed
    • Diverse and sustainable wildlife, forests and fisheries
    • Responsible access to our natural and historic resources
    • Smart planning that protects, preserves and promotes natural and cultural resources for the future
  5. Strengthen DEP-The DEP’s ability to achieve its goals and operate effectively depends on its staff and resources. Together, we will help New Jersey protect its environment, promote the health of its citizens and lead the way for the nation.The DEP will work to achieve:
    • A strong public-service ethic
    • A talented, diverse, and retained workforce
    • An information-technology infrastructure that maximizes our efficiency
    • A leadership role in key national and multi-state environmental initiatives
    • Open engagement with the public