In 1996, just about a year after the Department of Environmental Protection was created in the July 1995 reorganization of the Department of Environmental Resources, DEP got its own Mission Statement and Statement of Values.

It outlined what the overall Mission-- responsibilities- were for the agency, and a Statement of Values that described, in part, how the agency would carry out those responsibilities.

Mission Statement

The Department of Environmental Protection’s mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.

Statement of Values

Public Service - We at DEP serve the public in a fair, efficient, responsive, open and honest manner. We effectively use the resources we are provided to accomplish our mission and operate efficiently. We are professionals and are fully prepared to accept responsibility for our actions.

Protection - We are responsible for the protection of the air, land and water of the Commonwealth. We carry out our jobs in ways that will promote measurable environmental improvement, cooperation, innovation and sustainable development so future generations may share our wealth.

Teamwork - We recognize that, as a Department, our responsibilities are great and our numbers few. Just as our air, land and water together make up our environment, our goals can only be accomplished if we work cooperatively and support each other in the achievement of our common purpose.

Communication - We encourage the broadest two-way communication possible with all our constituencies by involving the public in decision-making opportunities through such techniques as regulatory negotiation and stakeholder groups and by disseminating information through all means possible.

Pollution Prevention - We promote the goal of zero discharge through pollution prevention and encourage compliance assistance and problem solving to stop pollution before it starts.

(Photo: The 1996 DEP and DCNR logos were developed through an employee contest.)

Related Articles In This Series:

Feature: 20 Years Of Growing Greener: A Celebration Of Leadership, Partnership, Accomplishment

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge Talks About His Very Personal Connection To Lake Erie And The Need To Work Together To Restore The Great Lakes

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge: Expanding Partnerships To Clean Up The Susquehanna River And The Chesapeake Bay Beyond

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge Joins With Governors Of Delaware, New Jersey, Federal Officials To Establish The Delaware Estuary Program

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge Thanks First Environmental Excellence Award Winning Businesses For Eliminating 1.4 Million Tons Of Waste, Pollution

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge Talks About Rebuilding Pennsylvania's Industrial Heritage Through Land Recycling

1996 - Gov. Tom Ridge Talks About The Vision And Actions Needed To Restore Our Environment At The PA Environmental Council’s Three Rivers Awards

1995-2002 - DEP Secretary James M. Seif: The Assignment Was Clear - Take The Kick Me! Sign Off DER

1995-2002 - DEP Secretary David E. Hess: Many New Hands Now Help Protect Penn’s Woods

1995-2002 - Environmental Accomplishments Of The Ridge & Schweiker Administrations

1995-2002: Awards And Recognition For Environmental Programs During The Ridge & Schweiker Administrations

[Posted: December 14, 2019]

12/16/2019