Individuals from northeastern Pennsylvania who want to make sure that the state’s environmental decisions are made without the influence of race, color, national origin or income are invited to become a candidate for the Environmental Justice Advisory Board under the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Environmental Advocate.

“We are seeking applicants who want to work with us in developing programs, policies and procedures that equally benefit and protect all of our communities,” DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty said. “Such participation is crucial to ensuring that all voices are heard when making decisions that affect Pennsylvania's health and the environment."

Members of the advisory board conduct fact-finding probes, develop protocols and make recommendations to DEP with respect to the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies.

Potential candidates should be from one of the following counties: Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne or Wyoming. In addition, they should have an interest in environmental justice issues and a background in one of the following: environmental justice, industry, an environmental field, and community financing or community activism.

Interested candidates should send their resumes to Ayanna King, director of the Office of Environmental Advocate, via e-mail to ayking@state.pa.us ; or by fax to 717-772-5996

5/18/2007