ROI Influencers: Environment 2024
Shawn LaTourette
Commissioner
N.J. Department of Environmental Protection
In mid-July, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced the DEP was going to issue a “very limited” approval to the Passaic Valley Sewarage Commission for the construction and emergency use only of a backup power station on its 140-acre site that borders the Newark Bay.
The approval would only allow the PVSC to operate the facility in the event of a storm that disrupts PVSC’s power service – thus preventing raw sewage from going into Newark Bay, as it has during power disruptions in the past.
And it would come with numerous other environmental conditions, which — when implemented — would create a net overall reduction in the emission of air pollutants from the PVSC facility as a whole.
It was a logical and sensible decision – one that seemingly went along with the new environmental justice rules and regulations that now are in place.
Of course, no one was happy.
In the simplest of descriptions, the role of the DEP Commissioner is to ensure that the environment (and the residents) of the state is protected.
In reality, it means balancing the wants and desires of numerous groups – all of which feel you are doing too much or too little, a view that changes with each issue.
It’s the quintessential thankless job – one that LaTourette has done with pride and professionalism since he was appointed to do so by the governor in the summer of 2021.
It’s the reason why LaTourette is our top pick for the 2024 ROI Influencers: Environment list.
The role of DEP commissioner certainly is one of the most challenging in state government. Getting folks to agree that climate change is happening is just the first step. Figuring out the best way to confront this reality is the next.
The Passaic Valley Sewarage Commission decision is just one of many LaTourette and the DEP are handling.
There is the debate around REAL (which stands for Resilient Environments and Landscapes), which aims to determine how high buildings need to be elevated at the Jersey Shore (is 5 feet enough, too much or too little?).
There is discussion around vehicle emissions. More than just adding more EVs. Are clean truck provisions necessary – and will this be incorporated into the fight for and against the growth of warehousing in the state.
Throw in discussions around ‘forever chemicals,’ ‘dirty dirt’ and a host of other concerns and you’ve got a full agenda of issues – all of which LaTourette is the middle of.
And all of which make LaTourette an easy choice for the top spot in our list.