For Immediate Release
04/04/2025
Contact
Leia Bailey
(916) 445-3974 | Leia.Bailey@cdpr.ca.gov

Department of Pesticide Regulation Seeks Public Input on Work to Establish an Environmental Justice Advisory Committee

Workshops scheduled in May; committee’s first meeting planned for late 2025

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation announced five workshops in May to share information and gather public input on the department’s work to establish a new Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC).

State Assembly Bill 652, signed into law in 2023, directed the department to create an EJAC, with the goal of providing prioritized recommendations to DPR on ways to integrate environmental justice considerations into department programs and decision making. A commitment to equity and environmental justice was included in the department’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.

At the EJAC workshops – four in person and one online – DPR will provide more information on the committee, answer questions and seek public feedback. The public can submit input through May 15 on the following draft documents:

  • Draft Scope of Work: Outlines the EJAC’s objectives, goals, and the roles and responsibilities of both EJAC members and DPR. DPR is accepting public input to finalize this document.
  • Draft Scoring Criteria: Outlines how DPR will evaluate EJAC membership applications based on qualifications, contributions, and alignment with AB 652. DPR is accepting public input to finalize this document.

Additional materials to provide information on the EJAC include:

  • Draft Charter: Details the EJAC’s advisory role, governance structure, term limits, member application process, and the procedure for submitting recommendations to DPR, as required by AB 652. Feedback provided on this document will be compiled for the EJAC’s consideration, as the EJAC will adopt the charter once the committee is established.
  • Transparency Memo: Provides a legal overview of Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, Public Records Act, and Conflict of Interest requirements for all DPR committees, including the EJAC. This memo is for information purposes only.

All of these documents are available on the department’s EJAC webpage.

In June 2025, after the close of the public feedback period, DPR plans to open the nomination period for EJAC members. The EJAC is on track to convene in late 2025.

How to Provide Feedback to DPR

The public can provide feedback through May 15 by:

Information on the Public Workshops

DPR will hold five public workshops in May to provide an overview of the development of the EJAC and associated guiding documents, to answer questions and to collect public feedback.  

Spanish interpretation will be provided at all workshops. To request interpretation in additional languages, please email LanguageAccess@cdpr.ca.gov at least 10 business days prior to the workshop.

May 6 Workshop in Imperial, CA
When: Tuesday, May 6 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Cambria Hotel, 1500 N Imperial Ave, Imperial, CA 92251

May 7 Workshop in Oxnard, CA
When: Wednesday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030

May 8 Workshop in Shafter, CA
When: Thursday, May 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Where:  Shafter Ford Theater-Teacup Room, 1101 E Lerdo Hwy, Shafter, CA 93263

May 13 Workshop in Middletown, CA
When: Tuesday, May 13 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Twin Pine Casino, 22223 CA-29, Middletown, CA 95461

May 15 Virtual Workshop (Zoom)

  • When: Thursday, May 15, 6-8 p.m.
  • Where: On Zoom (You will be prompted to enter an email address to join. This is a Zoom requirement.)

For additional information, please email EJACinfo@cdpr.ca.gov