Community members advise agency on incorporating environmental justice principles throughout MPCA’s work
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced today that it is seeking applicants for its environmental justice advisory group (EJAG). The MPCA encourages members from diverse and underrepresented communities to apply for the agency’s EJAG, a cohort of individuals from across Minnesota who advise the agency on matters related to environmental justice. Applications for the EJAG are open through July 22, 2026.
The EJAG exists to elevate environmental justice as an agency priority and to integrate environmental justice considerations into agency programs and decision-making. During the Walz administration, the EJAG has provided feedback and community-informed perspectives that have helped shape agency approaches, improve transparency, strengthen public participation, and ensure EJ considerations are incorporated into policies, programs, and decision-making processes.
Apply to join EJAG
The MPCA is seeking new members for its environmental justice advisory group (EJAG). This group advises the MPCA commissioner on the implementation of the agency's environmental justice framework, provides feedback on its effectiveness, and offers suggestions for future improvements.
Applications due Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
Since its inception in 2016, the EJAG has played a key role in the development and implementation of the MPCA’s Environmental Justice Framework, which continues to strengthen community engagement guidance and best practices and improved communication between technical staff and communities.
The EJAG has also provided recommendations and feedback on initiatives such as the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and the Volkswagen Grant program, helping shape grantmaking approaches that direct resources to areas disproportionately impacted by pollution. Members of the EJAG have also played an active role in developing EJ mapping tools and in the agency’s cumulative impacts and air toxics rulemaking efforts.
The MPCA defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. The MPCA has been working to advance these principles and develop strategies to reduce pollution and health disparities in communities most at risk, including Black, Indigenous, low-income, and communities of color for over a decade.
Application information is available on the MPCA’s environmental justice webpage. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 22, 2026, and the selection process will begin immediately. All environmental justice advisory meetings will be open to the public.