ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS
A Conversation with NJDEP ’ s Acting Commissioner , Shawn M . LaTourette
Upgrading the delivery of services is key .
By Diane C . Walsh Contributing Editor
The new acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection , ( NJDEP ) Shawn M . LaTourette , took over the job with a focus on three initiatives : up grading the delivery of services , better engagement with the regulated community and an aim to improve internal operations .
In January , Gov . Phil Murphy appointed LaTourette to succeed retiring NJDEP Commissioner Catherine McCabe as head of the vast department responsible for protecting the public health while ensuring the quality of the state ’ s air , land , water , and natural and historic sites .
As he adjusts to his new role , LaTourette revealed , “ there will be organizational changes .” He said senior staff will remain intact , however . He even joked that neither Mark Pedersen , the assistant commissioner of site remediation and waste management , nor his chief of staff , Jane Rosenblatt , are “ not allowed to retire .”
LaTourette outlined his plans in a special appearance before the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey , ( CIANJ ) a statewide
LaTourette said he will be seeking input on the most efficient ways to recycle solar panels .
business advocacy group that includes many environmental attorneys , consulting businesses , developers , engineers and contractors . During the 90-minute session , the new commissioner candidly responded to questions from the membership and CIANJ President Anthony Russo .
LaTourette assuaged the environmental community ’ s foremost concern by revealing he will extend the permit deadlines for all site remediation work . Supply chain issues , coupled with the challenges his staff faces operating in a pandemic , would make it unfair to require strict adherence to the regulatory obligations , he said .
The extension will be for at least a year . But the exact length will be determined in consultation with the governor ’ s office . He added ,
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NJDEP ’ s Shawn M . LaTourette
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New Jersey is taking to not only protect the environment but make it more resilient . Gov . Murphy set 2050 as the state ’ s goal for conversion to clean energy ..
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