OFFICIAL SITE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEYNomination Solicitation: Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council
NOMINATION SOLICITATION: NATURAL RESOURCE RESTORATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Community Investment and Economic Revitalization (CIER), New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Authority: New Jersey DEP Commissioner LaTourette’s Administrative Order No. 2023-08
CIER is seeking nominations of qualified candidates for consideration as members of the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council. Interested applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or organization.
Nominations Due
December 31, 2024
Background Summary:
The Advisory Council will provide insight and feedback concerning the Department’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.
For Further Information Contact:
Community Investment and Economic Revitalization at: onrr@njdepwptest.net.
Supplementary Information:
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 Shawn M. LaTourette, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on March 14, 2023, outlines the state’s natural resource restoration policy and the NJDEP’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 (NRRAC), designed to engage with the public on the Department’s restoration projects. The NRRAC aims to provide insight and feedback on the identification, planning, and implementation of these projects and to assist in communicating project objectives and outcomes to the public. While the NRRAC’s work and recommendations are strictly advisory, the selection and implementation of restoration projects remain at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The NRRAC does not participate in collaborative processes with responsible parties but may advise on project implementation after settlements are reached.
The NRRAC will consist of nine members, including two permanent members from the Department: the Assistant Commissioner for Community Investment and Economic Revitalization (CIER), who will serve as the Chair, and a representative from the 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; and a local government unit concerned with environmental issues or stewardship of public lands, or a representative organization. Furthermore, two public members will also 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, the council members will focus on several key responsibilities. They will develop recommendations for a public mechanism to identify and catalog potential restoration project opportunities, as well as support public engagement and communication efforts related to these projects. Additionally, the council will recommend principles and priorities for the identification, planning, and implementation of restoration projects. They will also prepare an outline for an annual report that will identify potential restoration project opportunities.
Nominations:
CIER is requesting nominations for advisory members for the Natural Resource Restoration Advisory Council to serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner and may be excused by the Commissioner with or without cause. Members shall not be compensated by the DEP or the State for their service on the Advisory Council unless such service is attendant to their preexisting State employment.
Interested applicants may self-nominate or be nominated by another individual or organization. The following information must be included in the package of materials submitted for each individual nominated for consideration:
- A letter of nomination that clearly states the name and affiliation of the nominee, the basis for the nomination, and confirmation that the nominee is willing to serve as a member of the Council;
- This could include a statement with specific examples of the nominee’s accomplishments and contributions to natural resource restoration, conservation, or management. The nominees understanding of the significance of natural resource restoration and how their expertise or experience will contribute to the advisory council’s mission and ability to provide insight and feedback on the identification, planning, and implementation of restoration projects.
- A current copy of the nominee’s resume, including nominee’s email address, and daytime telephone number;
- Sector representation should be specified within the nomination, the DEP understands that individuals may fall within multiple sectors, for this reason please list all sectors that you would be willing to represent within the nomination.
- Conservation, Restoration, or Preservation: A representative from a statewide organization dedicated to the conservation, restoration, or preservation of land or other natural resources. The statement should highlight the nominee’s involvement and achievements in conservation projects and initiatives.
- Environmental Justice: A representative from a statewide environmental justice organization. The statement should detail the nominee’s experience in advocating for environmental justice and addressing environmental disparities in underserved communities.
- Regulated Entity or Business/Trade Organization: A representative from a regulated entity routinely engaged in the remediation or restoration of injured natural resources, or a business or trade organization representative of such entities. The statement should outline the nominee’s experience in environmental remediation and their role in compliance with environmental regulations and restoration.
- Academic Institution or Research Organization: A representative from an academic institution or research organization dedicated to the study or improvement of natural resources. The statement should describe the nominee’s research focus, contributions to natural resource science, and relevant publications.
- Local Government Unit or Representative Organization: A representative from a local government unit dedicated to environmental concerns or stewardship of public lands/resources, or an organization representing such units. The statement should emphasize the nominee’s role in local government environmental initiatives and community engagement efforts.
- Public Members (2): The statement for public members should demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community involvement in natural resource issues, and any relevant volunteer or professional experience that supports the goals of the NRRAC.
Nomination packages may be submitted directly by the individual being nominated or by the person/organization nominating the candidate.