DPR Convenes the First Meeting of its Environmental Justice Advisory Committee

On December 10, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) hosted the inaugural meeting of its Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC), celebrating an important milestone in the department’s commitment to integrating environmental justice in its ongoing work to protect human health and the environment.

The meeting began with a welcome from DPR Director Karen Morrison, who addressed the new committee, reaffirming the department’s dedication to inclusive decision-making, environmental justice, and strengthening partnerships with communities. The 11-member committee then introduced themselves and began laying the groundwork for their collaborative efforts.

Meeting highlights included:

• Review and discussion of the Draft Committee Charter, which outlines the committee’s mission and responsibilities.
• An overview of pesticide use in California, presented by DPR staff to provide context for future meeting locations and committee agenda topics.
• An open public comment period, to hear from communities participating and listening to the committee’s discussion.
• The election of three co-chairs, Bianca Lopez, Rocio Ortiz, and Tim Prado, who will help guide the committee’s work and foster transparent leadership.
• Initial identification of key topics for the committee’s to consider in its upcoming efforts.

The EJAC was established through Assembly Bill 652 to provide recommendations to DPR on how to better integrate environmental justice considerations into its programs, policies, and decision-making. The committee will also advise on strategies to strengthen engagement with communities experiencing the greatest exposure to pesticides, ensuring that those most affected are meaningfully involved in shaping solutions.

A recording of the EJAC meeting will be available on the DPR YouTube Channel.

For more information on the committee, view the Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC) page.