Legislation Passes Assembly Committee
In recognition of all the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does on behalf of the state’s environment, Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin sponsors a resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the DEP’s establishment. The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee advanced the legislation Monday.
The DEP was established on April 22, 1970 – America’s first official Earth Day – with the goal of creating one government agency to help conserve natural resources, prevent pollution and promote environmental protection throughout New Jersey. The DEP now oversees dozens of programs dealing with air quality, sustainability, water resource management, flood resilience, wildlife conservation, recycling and more.
Upon the resolution ([njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/ACR/169_I1.PDF]ACR-169) advancing, Assemblywoman Pinkin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement:
“With climate change at our doorstep and an urgent need to protect our environment from the effects of this global crisis, agencies such as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection are more important than ever.
“Dedicated employees have made a difference in our state over the past 50 years by preserving over half a million acres of wildlife, helping New Jersey reach its greenhouse gas reduction goals, overseeing the cleanup of more than 10,000 contaminated sites, protecting local communities from flooding, financing environmental infrastructure projects and so much more.
“Most importantly, this agency is working hard to combat climate change at the state level in an effort to make a better world for future generations. This resolution recognizes and celebrates its many accomplishments and ongoing success in protecting our environment.”