ROI Influencers: Environment 2025
Shawn LaTourette
Commissioner of Environmental Protection
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, has been named ROI-NJ’s top environmental influencer for 2025. His leadership and impactful work over the past year have set him apart as the most influential figure shaping the state’s environmental future.
In 2025, LaTourette oversaw a major settlement of up to $450 million aimed at addressing persistent PFAS contamination — a key step in protecting public health and restoring environmental integrity. His testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment emphasized the critical link between environmental protection, public health, and economic growth, further solidifying his national profile.
LaTourette took a proactive stance on urban water issues, engaging directly with the Trenton City Council to address the crisis at Trenton Water Works, which had been on the brink of collapse due to decades of deferred maintenance. His leadership underscored a commitment to holding local systems accountable and advancing environmental justice for urban communities impacted by failing water infrastructure.
In addition, LaTourette has championed modernization within NJDEP, expanding digital services to nearly 650 online offerings and 134 GIS applications. This effort aims to streamline permitting, increase transparency, and improve public access to vital environmental data—core elements of effective stewardship and regulation.
Throughout 2025, LaTourette has consistently highlighted the importance of integrating environmental, economic, and social priorities, emphasizing that sustainability must include social justice and public health. His participation in national forums and leadership roles with initiatives like RGGI have positioned New Jersey as a leader among states in environmental policy and climate action.
LaTourette’s comprehensive approach, his willingness to confront complex and politicized issues, and his dedication to creating a sustainable, equitable future for New Jersey make him ROI-NJ’s number one environmental influencer for 2026. His impact continues to inspire and shape the trajectory of environmental leadership across the state.
