Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Commissioner John Linc Stine has announced his plan to form an Environmental Justice Advisory Group to study matters related to environmental justice. The group will provide input and recommendations about ways to incorporate the principles of environmental justice into the agency’s work and will consist of up to 12 members serving two-year terms.
“It’s far too easy to talk about remedying the disproportionate impacts of past pollution and preventing future harms,” said Stine. “We must put our words into action, and this advisory group is one of many steps we’re taking to fully integrate environmental justice into our programs.”
MPCA’s Environmental Justice Framework, released in December 2015, outlines goals and strategies to ensure that all Minnesotans benefit equally from environmental protection. Forming the Environmental Justice Advisory Group is one step intended to increase engagement between the public and the agency.
MPCA will be hosting two information sessions in the Twin Cities metro area to provide more background on the group’s scope, function, and goals before the May 16 application deadline. The Environmental Justice Advisory Group charter and application materials can be found on MPCA’s website. Contact Environmental Justice Coordinator Ned Brooks at Ned. Brooks@state.mn.us or call 651-757- 2557 with any questions.
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