About the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council
The NEJAC often uses subgroups (such as Work Groups) to develop initial advice which is reviewed, discussed and approved by the NEJAC. Such subgroups are formed to deal with a specific topic and to facilitate the conduct of the business of NEJAC. Each is chaired by a NEJAC member and managed by a Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Subgroups of the NEJAC meet independently of the full NEJAC and present their findings to the NEJAC for review. Subgroups cannot make recommendations independently to EPA.
Public Involvement in Advisory Committee Activities
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) provides for public involvement in committee activities primarily through open access to meetings and records and by providing the public an opportunity to submit comments to the committee. As such, members of the public are encouraged to attend and observe NEJAC public meetings and teleconferences, review materials used by committee members in their deliberations, and review minutes of committee meeting and deliberations.
Public comment for consideration by EPA's federal advisory committees has a different purpose from public comment provided to EPA program offices. Therefore, the process for submitting comments to a federal advisory committee is different as well. Members of the public can:
- Submit written comments for the NEJAC to consider as it develops advice for EPA;
- Present oral statements for consideration by committee members at public meetings during time periods set aside for that purpose.
Public comments should be sent directly to the NEJAC Program Manager, Karen L. Martin (martin.karenl@epa.gov), with a subject line: "NEJAC Public Comment."
NEJAC Membership
The NEJAC is made up of approximately 26 members and one DFO. The membership is rotated to provide the greatest possible opportunity for a variety of individuals to serve on the NEJAC.
To ensure that all views are represented, membership is comprised of a balanced representation of the following sectors:
- Academia
- Community Groups
- Industry/Business
- Non-Government Organizations/Environmental Organizations
- State/Local Governments
- Tribal Governments/Indigenous Groups
Organizations or members of the public may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to serve on the NEJAC or one of its subgroups. Individuals may also self-nominate. A sample template for submitting nominations is available:
NEJAC Charter
The NEJAC charter renews the NEJAC in accordance with the requirements of the FACA, 5 U.S.C. App. § 9 (c).
More Information
The NEJAC Factsheet contains information about membership, stakeholder engagement, and recommendations.
Questions? Contact: Karen L. Martin, (martin.karenl@epa.gov), NEJAC Program Manager