We want to share some updates on the work Team OEJ has done in recent months. In this email, we delve into the progress made in the past three months, highlighting significant milestones and challenges faced in the pursuit of a just and sustainable world.
This year the Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) began implementing the proactive community engagement approach described in the Interim-Final EJ Policy. Our goal is to increase proactive outreach and engagement across Pennsylvania and build long-lasting relationships with communities outside of individual projects. Furthermore, DEP seeks to increase strategic community education, outreach, engagement, and capacity building trust through intentional action, and increase proactive outreach to communities to help understand their concerns before issuing permits for new facilities and to provide communities with the tools to help address environmental issues. So far in 2024 Team OEJ has met with more than 96 community-based organizations, 165 stakeholders and community leaders, hosted 31 meetings/events, attended 93 events hosted by partners, and given 40 presentations.
We have also had some staffing updates. Amelia Benson, Regional Coordinator for the Southwest Regional Office, has left the position to pursue new and exciting opportunities. We thank Amelia for all her great work with OEJ. As well, OEJ Director Justin Dula, is departing DEP. Justin has been instrumental in shepherding OEJ’s interim final policy update and PennEnviroScreen. We thank Justin for his tireless and valuable contributions to advancing environmental justice within Pennsylvania. OEJ Special Deputy Secretary Fernando Trevino is forming an interview panel and will be conducting interviews this summer for replacement.
We are also welcoming two new additions to Team OEJ: Maria Ocasio is the new Regional Coordinator for the Northeast Regional office and Emily Green joins us as the Regional Coordinator for the Southwest Regional office. Please join me in welcoming them to the team!
We will return to our regular newsletter format going forward, continuing to share with you the latest developments, inspiring stories, and resources on the path to achieving environmental equity. In the meantime, here are some resources too good not to share:
