New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA)

Community Listening Session on Waste Issues
2024-07-30 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | St. Stephen’s Church, 8 Wilson Ave, Newark, New Jersey
Do you have concerns with waste management in your community? We invite you to join our community listening session to share your experiences with waste-related injustices.
Why Attend?

Make your voice heard and advocate for change
Share your experiences and concerns
Learn about waste injustices affecting your community

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 30
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Format: Hybrid (In-person & Virtual)
Location: St. Stephan’s Church, 8 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
Virtual Option: bit.ly/ICCMeet24

Register Here: tinyurl.com/EJListensICC
For more information, please contact Chris Tandazo (they/them) at Chris@njeja.org or (973) 807-6587.

Mercer County EJ Community Engagement Session
2024-06-04 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Greater Mount Zion AME Church, 42 Pennington Ave, Trenton, NJ, 08618
Join the NJDEP Office of Environmental Justice for this Environmental Justice Community Engagement Session in Mercer County. Share your concerns with the DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette and EP Region 2 Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia.
Attend in-person or virtually via Zoom. Translation is available in Spanish and Haitian Creole.
Register here.
For questions and comments, please contact Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

EJ Law Meeting: Linden Union County
2024-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Virtual
Join this meeting as part of the Title V Operating Permit renewal application process for the Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc. facility in Linden. As part of this process, this facility has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement. Read the statement here.
Attend the hearing to learn more information about local impacts, ask questions, and make a public comment. Join this hearing via this link here with access code 2431 053 0733.
The public comment period will close on Wednesday, June 25.
For questions and comments, please contact Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.

Protecting Our Communities: Engaging in the EPA Comment Period
2024-05-14 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
On April 25, the EPA announced a new suite of rules aiming to manage emissions in an equitable and just way. EJ Community leaders have applauded the EPA’s decision not to consider hydrogen co-firing as a tactic to reduce emissions in the power section; however, the continued inclusion of carbon capture (CCS/CCUS) still poses a significant risk to EJ communities and workers.
In an effort to educate our communities and encourage involvement in this historic process, NJEJA will host a webinar on May 14 from 6-7 p.m. to provide context to this rule, explain why this process applies to your organization/how it impacts your local residents, and how you can be involved in uplifting the voices of your communities to encourage the EPA to set standards which are most protective of our communities.
When: May 14
Time: 6-7 p.m. EST
Where: Virtual, Register at tinyurl.com/Protect-Our-Communities

NJDEP Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan Informational Webinar
2024-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 UTC
Join the NJDEP for their informational webinar regarding the Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan. For questions regarding the plan or NJEJA’s intention to submit comment, please contact Brooke Helmick, Director of Policy at brooke@njeja.org.
Register Here

Read more from the NJDEP:
The Draft Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan is now available for public feedback! The Interagency Council invites you to participate in the upcoming information webinars on the Draft Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan. Webinars will take place online via Microsoft Teams. Registration is required.
The Interagency Council on Climate Resilience is hosting a public webinar on Tuesday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the draft Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan. This webinar will provide an overview of the Plan and allow the public to provide verbal feedback. To submit feedback in writing, please complete the Comments & Suggestions – Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan form by Monday, May 20.

HYBRID: Community Listening Session on Waste Issues (Camden, NJ)
2024-05-02 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | 1729 Ferry Avenue Camden, NJ 08104, 1729 Ferry Ave, Camden, NJ, 08104, United States
We are excited to invite you to a Community Listening Session on Waste Issues in Camden!
This important gathering aims to engage and empower our community, promote inclusivity and equity, and collaborate on addressing waste issues and advocating for environmental justice. EJ communities in NJ are heavily impacted by waste injustices, such as trash burning, which affects their health and wellness.
The purpose of these sessions is to listen to what Environmental Justice community members have to say about waste-related injustices and issues they are experiencing in their communities. We will provide an open and safe space to ensure folks feel secure and comfortable sharing their experiences.
Our hope is that this information will inform the contents of NJEJA’s Waste Justice Workshop Series, which will be held in the same EJ communities and serve as a source of technical assistance, knowledge, and information communities can use to advocate for themselves.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, May 2
Time: 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Location: 1729 Ferry Avenue Camden, NJ 08104
Snacks and Refreshments will be served!
RSVP here: tinyurl.com/EJListens
More information, please contact Chris Tandazo (they/them):
📞 Phone: (973) 807-6587
📧 Email: chris@njeja.org

March for Clean Air
2024-04-20 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
Join us in attending the March for Clean Air, hosted by the Ironbound Community Corporation and co-sponsored by the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance. Attend the rally and march in our contingent as we oppose the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission’s harmful plan to construct a fourth power plant in Newark and fight for our human right to breathe clean air, irrespective of race, income, or zipcode.
What: March for Clean Air
Where: Down Bottom Farms, 371-395 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
When: Saturday April 20th,12-2pm
Registration Link: bit.ly/CleanAirNow
For transportation accommodations, please contact Chloe Desir at CDesir@ironboundcc.org.
For questions regarding NJEJA’s participation and event logistics, please contact Brooke Helmick at brooke@njeja.org

March for Clean Air Art Build
2024-04-12 15:00 - 19:00 UTC | Ironbound Community Corportation, 432 Lafayette Street, Newark, New Jersey, 07105
Join us for an art build event in preparation for the March for Clean Air on April 20th.
When: Friday, April 12th from 3pm-7pm
Where: 432 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07105
Why: Get creative and make a statement about the importance of clean air for our community and oppose the proposal for a fourth power plant in Newark.
Registration Link: http://tinyurl.com/EJartbuild
We’ll have all the supplies you need to create your masterpiece, as well as food, music, and great vibes to keep you inspired. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking to try something new, this event is open to everyone who wants to make a difference.
Come out and join us as we raise awareness and show our support for clean air. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of something meaningful and impactful.
For questions or concerns, please contact Chris Tandazo at chris@njeja.org or 973-807-6587.

Information Session: NJEJA Offshore Wind Training Program (Newark, NJ)
2024-04-09 12:00 - 13:00 UTC | Salvation Army (Newark), 699 Springfield Avenue, Newark, 07103, United States
🗓 Save the Date: Learn more about our Offshore Wind Training Program by registering for this info session in Newark. Our comprehensive program offers hands-on training and expert instruction to prepare you for exciting opportunities in this emerging clean energy sector.
No prior industry experience is needed to enroll in this training program. Priority for this program will be given to individuals who reside in a New Jersey overburdened community. RSVP here.

Organizational Growth: Building a Sustainable Future for Your Organization
2024-03-26 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Online
Join New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA) on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6:00-7:00 PM for a candid conversation on leveraging federal funding to help build and sustain your organization. WE ACT for Environmental Justice and Alternatives for Community and Environment have both been awarded substantial federal grants, and will discuss some of their key learnings around applying for and managing federal grants as grassroots organizations. Sign up here to get the zoom link.

Funding Our Futures
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Online
There is an unprecedented amount of environmental justice funding allocated for organizations and the window to access these dollars is closing. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, we are excited to partner with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to host Funding Our Futures: Navigating State and Federal Grants.
UPDATE: Due to weather concerns, we’ve decided to shift #FundingOurFutures seminar to a virtual webinar.
Join us via Zoom!

EPA's Green Routes: A Goods Movement Listening Session
2024-02-12 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | The New School’s Starr Foundation Hall, 63 5th Ave, New York, NY, 10003, United States
The New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance is excited to extend an invitation to EPA’s Green Routes: A Goods Movement Listening Session, taking place this Monday, February 12, from 5:30 to 8 pm EST at The New School’s Starr Foundation Hall.
This event serves as an opportunity for NY/NJ community members to provide direct input and participate in conversation with local community organizations and government officials to work toward a community vision for emissions reduction and improved health outcomes in areas affected by goods movement. The transportation of goods through ports, railways, and roads in New York and New Jersey is a critical part of our infrastructure and supply chain but can impact public health and the environment in surrounding communities.
Click HERE to register.

NJDEP Grants & Loans Survey Webinar
2024-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 UTC
Curious about available funding for community organizations to address environmental, social, economic, and public health needs?
Join us Tuesday, January 30 from 6 – 7:00 PM EST via Zoom for a webinar hosted by NJEJA and South Ward Environmental Justice Alliance, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department Environmental Protection. NJDEP’s Uniting Financial Resources Team wants to hear about your environmental funding needs and challenges as a nonprofit organization. Your input will aid NJDEP in better assisting you through grants, loans, and other opportunities.
Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard. Register here to gain access to the webinar link and additional information.

Navigating the DEP System
2024-01-27 10:00 - 14:30 UTC | Hybrid
Navigating the DEP System: A series of environmental justice seminars for advocates from Overburdened Communities.
NJDEP in partnership with the Environmental Justice Advisory Council’s Environmental Education Committee is thrilled to launch the ‘Navigating the DEP System’ seminar series. Learn directly from staff at the Department of Environmental Protection about our tools, regulations, and processes.
Spring 2024 dates:

Seminar 1: Newark – Saturday, January 27th, 2024

10 AM-2:30 PM
Newark Tech, Essex County School of Technology, 91 W Market Street / Hybrid
Seminar topic: DEP Environmental Planning & Monitoring Tools

Seminar 2: Trenton – Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

4-8:30 PM
DEP, 401 East State Street / Hybrid
Seminar Topic: Understanding the Regulatory Process I

Seminar 3: Camden – Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

10 AM-2:30 PM
Mastery High School of Camden, 800 Erie St / Hybrid
Seminar Topic: Understanding the Regulatory Process II

Registration for the Newark Seminar now open until January 15th, 2024.

Seminars are free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided for all Saturday meetings.

For questions, contact Christina Gonzalve at Christina.Gonzalve@dep.nj.gov

MFN Teach In Webinar: Phase 3 GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Heavy Duty Truck Rule
2024-01-24 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | Online
Join us as we provide a greater understanding of the impact from heavy-duty truck pollution on environmental justice communities. Alongside the impacts from heavy duty trucks MFN members will present the current draft rules set by the federal EPA and how they are lacking to address the problem as a whole And how we can come together to demand they are strengthened. Register today!

MLK Day Event: Reparations through Climate Justice
2024-01-19 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | 1 New York Ave, Newark, NJ 07105, 1 New York Ave, Newark, NJ, 07105, United States
Join us for a powerful MLK Day Celebration hosted by Ironbound Community Corporation on January 19, 2024! Engage in a vital conversation on reparations & climate justice. There will be live performances, free food & drinks. RSVP today!

Exploring the Intersections of Environmental Justice: Black Maternal Health
2023-12-09 15:00 - 17:30 UTC | NJEJA, 45 Academy St, Suite 205, 2nd floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
Join us as we screen “Aftershock,” an award-winning documentary that chronicles the tragic deaths of two young women due to childbirth complications. The film also portrays their bereaved families as they work to raise awareness about one of the most pressing crises in America today: the U.S. maternal health crisis. Following the screening, we will host a panel discussion featuring a selection of maternal health experts.
Click Here to RSVP!

2023 NJEJA Waste Justice Assembly
2023-11-30 09:00 - 17:00 UTC | Brick Iron Studios, 53 Edison Pl, 3rd Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
Scheduled for Thursday, November 30th, the 2023 NJEJA Waste Justice Assembly aims to explore the relationships between consumerism and waste. The central theme of this conference is “Where does it all come from and where does it all go?” This is a great opportunity for students, professionals, and anyone eager to learn about waste infrastructure alternatives and a just transition toward a waste-free NJ.
Please stay tuned for updates on our lineup of speakers and workshop topics. Secure your spot today!

Camden Movie Night
2023-11-17 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | 1840 S. Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08104, 1840 S. Broadway, Camden, NJ, 08104, United States
The Center for Environmental Transformation (CFET) presents: Environmenal Justice Movie Night, sponsored by NJEJA and Superior Arts Institute. At this free community event, we will watch and discuss “Resolution 50,” a short film series directed by Samir Nichols. There will be a Q&A portion to give community members a space to address local EJ concerns.
Light refreshments will be provided.

Abundance Fest @ Down Bottom Farm
2023-11-04 12:00 - 15:00 UTC | Down Bottom Farm, St Charles St & Ferry St, Newark, NJ, 07105, United States
Join us on Saturday, November 4th from 12-3 PM at Down Bottom Farm in Newark for the Fall Abundance Fest. This is a great opportunity to learn more about community-driven food waste reduction, urban farming, food recovery, and composting. Harvest your own produce, explore our herb selection, participate in a book exchange, and enjoy educational activities.
Don’t miss out – RSVP today and be part of this FREE community event!

EPA Region 2 Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center Launch
2023-10-30 17:30 - 19:00 UTC | Online
Do you want to learn how to access and pursue environmental justice funding opportunities, ranging from federal environmental health grants to state workforce development programs and private foundation grants? We can help!
Join NJEJA and our partners via Zoom on Monday, October 30 as we launch the Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center. The Region 2 “TCTAC” is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to provide training and other assistance to build capacity for navigating federal grant application systems, writing strong grant proposals, and effectively managing grant funding.
Our TCTAC also seeks to build power in environmental justice communities and environmental justice organizations in New Jersey and New York, by building networks and partnerships throughout the region.
Click Here to Register

Inaugural Public Health Symposium for Health Justice in New Jersey
2023-10-27 08:30 - 16:30 UTC | Rowan College of South Jersey- Gloucester, 1400 Tanyard Rd, Building N, Sewell, NJ, 08080, United States
This inaugural event will bring together researchers, advocates, public health specialists, philanthropists, healthcare leaders and more to discuss real-world and meaningful transformational public health opportunities. Melissa Miles, Executive Director of NJEJA, will speak on Climate Change and Environmental Justice. To learn more about this event, visit: https://acendahealth.org/phi-conference/.

Offshore Wind Training Info Session
2023-10-19 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
Join our NJ Offshore Wind Training program to gain the essential skills and knowledge needed for a career in the rapidly growing offshore wind industry. Our comprehensive program offers hands-on training and expert instruction to prepare you for exciting opportunities in this emerging clean energy sector. No prior industry experience is needed to enroll in this training program.
Priority for this program will be given to individuals who reside in a New Jersey overburdened community. All interested applicants must apply here: https://tinyurl.com/NJEJAOSW.
To learn more, register for the virtual info session on Thursday, October 19th from 1PM-2PM. Please share with your networks!

Morgan Village Truck Count
2023-10-19 | Morgan Village Middle School, 990 Morgan Blvd, Camden, NJ, United States
Sign up to volunteer for our upcoming training and truck count in Camden, NJ!
Truck counts are a great way to document the impact of trucks on air quality and health in different environmental justice communities. We conduct truck counts and air monitoring projects because there is power in collectively gathered and owned data.
Join us on Thursday, October 19th to learn more about the different types of polluting trucks that are spewing deadly diesel emissions throughout predominately low-income communities. Sign up today!
[REGISTER]

Exploring the Intersections of Environmental Justice: The Prison-Industrial Complex
2023-09-22 18:30 - 20:30 UTC
Mark your calendar for a captivating film screening event on September 22, 2023, hosted by the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance! This is a unique opportunity to delve into the intricate relationships between the prison-industrial complex, environmental justice, and abolition.
Working Films and the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance invite you to an eye-opening event! Uncover the complex ties between the prison-industrial complex, environmental justice, and abolition. Join us as Debbie Africa shares insights from the MOVE Organization. Light refreshments will be provided.
“Beyond Walls” is a compelling series of short films exposing the prison-industrial complex’s impact. Secure your spot and get event details by registering today!

ONLINE | Mandatory Emissions Reductions: Centering Environmental Justice in Climate Policy
2023-09-19 13:00 - 14:30 UTC | Online
Across the United States, fossil fuel infrastructure emits toxic air pollution and planet-warming greenhouse gases that drive climate change. Low-income communities and communities of color bear the brunt of both, living on the front lines of impacts from climate change as well as suffering the harms of localized co-pollutants, like particular matter and nitrous oxides, emitted by nearby facilities. A just and equitable climate mitigation policy for the power sector must make the elimination of the sector’s outsized impact on these environmental justice (EJ) communities an explicit goal.
A new joint report by Dr. Nicky Sheats of the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research (Kean University) and members of the Tishman Environment and Design Center, lays out a framework for a policy to require mandatory emissions reductions (MER) of power sector pollution in EJ communities, and applies it to three state case studies: New Jersey, Minnesota, and Delaware.
We invite you to join us to celebrate the launch of this report and talk with state EJ leaders about the importance of the findings and the role of MER policy in advancing environmental justice.
[REGISTER HERE]

Housewarming Party
2023-06-23 | NJEJA, 45 Academy St, Suite 205, 2nd floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, United States
>> See more information.
Join us on June 30, 2023 for an opening day Housewarming Party to celebrate this new chapter for our organization. We will be hosting an Open-House and Gallery Walk from 1-5 with light refreshments, along with an evening-time dinner and celebration.

There will be food, raffles, and dancing!
RSVP here by June 16 to receive an NJEJA pin. General registration closes on June 23.
>> See more information.

Virtual Town Hall on World Asthma Day
2023-05-02 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
We invite you to a Virtual Town Hall we’re hosting on World Asthma Day, May 2, 2023, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm ET. This year’s theme is “Asthma Care for All” and our virtual event will be a great opportunity to improve asthma awareness and share how it connects to the recently finalized NJ Environmental Justice Law. In New Jersey, 167,000 children and 600,000 adults suffer from asthma.

Clean Water Action will be joined by health care experts and Environmental Justice community partners. They will discuss the new Environmental Justice law and how it will help protect communities from environmental pollution that can lead to asthma and other health issues. We will also provide attendees with the tools and resources to get more involved in advocating for Environmental Justice in New Jersey.

This virtual town hall will be conducted via Zoom. Please RSVP today to receive the link and password to join the event!

RSVP Here

Thank you for your interest in protecting our communities and ensuring environmental justice and Asthma Care for all. We look forward to seeing you at the virtual town hall!

🔥🔥🔥EMR Air Permit Hearing🔥🔥🔥 Show up and testify about this Environmental Justice Issue!
2023-05-02 18:00 (America/New_York) | 201 N Front St, Camden, NJ 08102-1661, United States, 201 N Front St, Camden, NJ, 08102, United States
There is a Public Hearing TUESDAY 5/2 @6:00pm 201 N. Front St Camden about EMR’s (Camden Metal and Iron) pending air permit with NJDEP

DETAILS: May 2, 2023 between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00pm at 201 N. Front St., Camden, NJ 08102.
LINK TO REGISTER: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SNFNDGG

Show up and voice your concerns about EMR’s repeated fires that have been poisoning our communities! EMR has purposely not promoted this hearing and made it in person only to try and stop community members from attending. Show up and prove them wrong!

EMR has fought the DEP to avoid having this air permit for its filthy scrap yard operations. They have fought against the passage of Environmental Justice laws in NJ and made it clear they do not value our health. Show up to hold EMR accountable and let the DEP know you care about your community’s health and lungs! EMR must do more to prevent air emissions and repeated toxic fires at their facilities.

Air Quality 🌤 Awareness Week 🌎
2023-05-01 - 2023-05-05
Working Together for Clean Air
Learn more about air pollution and how you can reduce your contribution

Monday, May 1Air Quality and Your Health
The New Jersey Air Quality Flag program and “What’s in my Community” tool help increase the public’s air quality awareness, particularly for sensitive individuals such as older adults, children, or those suffering from lung diseases (including asthma). Air quality awareness is an important step in the protection of public health.

Learn More

Subscribe to EnviroFlash for local air quality information sent to your email inbox or cell phone daily.

Get Air Quality Alerts

Tuesday, May 2Air Quality and Air Monitoring
New Jersey has air monitors across the state that report current air quality levels. The monitors provide monitoring data used to determine whether the state is meeting the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for certain common pollutants: ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and lead. In recent years, New Jersey has met all the standards except for ozone.

Learn More

Wednesday, May 3Air Quality and Transportation
Transportation remains the largest source of air pollution in New Jersey. Take steps now to limit your air quality impact when making transportation choices; reduce idling, drive less, carpool, use transit, walk, bike, scooter, and/or switch to an electric vehicle.

Learn More

Thursday, May 4
Air Quality and Climate
Did you know that air pollution not only contributes to climate change but exacerbates it? Excess carbon dioxide and methane mainly from burning fossil fuels raise the earth’s temperature, a phenomenon called “The Greenhouse Gas Effect”. DEP’s first ever scientific report on climate change summarizes the effects of climate change on New Jersey’s environment.

Learn More

Did you know that New Jersey is the 6th fastest warming state in the nation? All New Jersey residents are affected by climate change, especially those in the most vulnerable communities. Urban heat islands occur in urban areas where higher temperatures are observed than the surrounding suburban areas. It is critical that New Jersey considers urban heat islands and air quality in its resilience planning efforts.

Learn how to combat the effects of Urban Heat Islands

Friday, May 5Environmental Justice and Air Quality
Air Quality is important in overburdened communities because they are the most impacted by the effects of air pollution. New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Law, N.J.S.A. 13:1D-157, is one of the strongest and most empowering in the nation. The law was signed by Governor Murphy on September 18, 2020 and requires the DEP to assess the environmental and public health impacts of certain facilities in overburdened communities when reviewing certain permit applications.

Learn More

DEP adopted the Environmental Justice Rule on April 17, 2023, to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice law, and released an updated Environmental Justice, Mapping, and Planning (EJMAP) tool. This tool can be used to view the overburdened communities throughout the state.

Learn More

See all the air quality facts and actions for New Jersey Air Quality Awareness Week
