News Releases from Headquarters›Office of the Administrator (AO)

Administrator Pruitt Meets with Members of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council

WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt met with members of the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC) to discuss Fiscal Year 2018 priorities including guidelines for meaningful public participation and EPA’s Superfund Task Force recommendations.

“Environmental justice dialogues are critical to improving environmental and public health outcomes,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “The Council gives a crucial voice to communities whose voices often aren’t heard. We need to be doing more to enhance the EPA’s efforts to partner with states, local communities and tribes to engage with communities across the country. I look forward to working with the Council to advance the Agency’s core mission and further this thoughtful dialogue.”

Established in 1993, NEJAC provides advice and recommendations about broad, cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice to the EPA Administrator. With members from academia, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, state and local governments, tribal governments and industry, the council provides a valuable forum for discussions about integrating environmental justice with other EPA priorities and initiatives.

During NEJAC’s tenure, it has issued 48 formal reports with 795 recommendations and letters of advice as well as nearly 40 resolutions to the Agency.

Administrator Pruitt will continue to work with the NEJAC to enhance individual and community participation in environmental decision-making and improve environmental and public health outcomes across the country.