newjerseynewsroom.com

New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Mark Mauriello is seeking a dozen "exceptional" scientists to give his department advice on scientific and technical issues.

The commissioner is seeking nominations for a scientific advisory panel being formed to provide peer review on matters affecting public health, water quality and quantity, ecological processes and climate and atmosphere.

"What we want is the ability to make decisions that reflect state-of-the-art technology and research," said DEP spokeswoman Elaine Makatura.

While such evaluations already can be made in-house, members of the advisory board are expected to bring additional expertise and independence to the decision-making process, she said.

"Given the complex nature of many issues we consider," Mauriello said that bringing in outside professionals should enhance the department's review of policy approaches and systems.

"I don't know that it's driven by issues" as much as by a desire to evaluate the larger picture of scientific recommendations, Makatura said.

The deadline for nominations is July 24, after which Mauriello will review the candidates, pick a dozen as well as a chair for the group.

The board will oversee four standing subcommittees focusing on the subject areas, which in turn will be filled with other top scientists, up to a dozen members each. Their recommendations will be funneled to Mauriello through the DEP's Office of Science.

Prospective board members must have an advanced degree as well as training, expertise and expertise releated to environmental protection.

For more information on to submit a nomination, visit the DEP's website at: www.nj.gov./dep/sab

— JOE TYRRELL, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM