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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 22, 2022
Jill A. Greenberg, EGLE spokesperson, [email protected], 517-897-4965
EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278
Nominations sought for Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice vacancies
Council elects its first chair, vice-chair
The Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice (MAC-EJ), an appointed advisory body for the State of Michigan?s work toward addressing environmental justice, is currently seeking statewide nominations for new members. Interested parties should submit an application for consideration by Dec. 19.
Members of the MAC-EJ are appointed by the director of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The advisory is intentionally inclusive of front-line community members concerned with environmental justice and tribal representation, as well as members from business and industry, environmental organizations, community-based organizations, labor, academia, local governments, and public health.
Vacancies to be filled represent the following stakeholder groups: local government, academia, public health, environmental organizations, and tribal. The appointments begin in 2023.
?As the state?s first advisory council on environmental justice, the MAC-EJ plays an important role in helping the state address environmental justice issues,? said Regina Strong, who leads the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate at EGLE. ?Adding to this diverse council is critical to advancing our work and ensuring that all Michigan residents have equitable access, opportunities for meaningful engagement and protection from environmental threats.?
Council representation from across various geographic regions of Michigan is also needed. Currently EGLE is looking for additional representation from Southwest, West, Central, and the northern Lower Peninsula regions of the state.?
The council, which was first convened in January 2020, ?serves as an advisory body for Environmental Justice actions spearheaded by the Office of the Environmental Justice Public Advocate ?and the?Interagency Environmental Justice Response Team?.
Earlier this year, MAC-EJ members held the inaugural election of a chair and a vice-chair to steer and coordinate their work. Sylvia Ordu?o, organizer for Michigan Welfare Rights, was elected as the council's inaugural chair, and Keith Cooley, founder and CEO of Principia LLC, was elected as the inaugural vice-chair.
Michigan residents who are interested in consideration for appointment to the MAC-EJ are encouraged to submit an online application by Dec. 19. Applicants should choose the Environmental Justice Advisory Council from the list of boards on the application. ?All individuals who serve on the MAC-EJ are appointed from the pool of applicants by the director of EGLE.?For assistance completing the application online, contact the State of Michigan Appointments Division at [email protected].?
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