TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the appointment of experienced environmental-protection professional Mark Mauriello to head the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, effective immediately. Mauriello succeeds Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson, who was named as chief of staff for Governor Corzine in October.

“Protecting New Jersey’s environment has always been – and continues to be – a top priority for this administration. With Mark’s acceptance of this challenging position, I am confident that the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and our wealth of natural resources are in good hands,” Governor Corzine said. “This is a pivotal time for all of us who are committed to safeguarding and improving our environment and the quality of life in our communities, with energy and climate change issues being at the top of the list.

“I look forward to working closely with Mark in the coming year and will rely on his considerable expertise and sound judgment.”

Before his appointment, Mauriello served as Assistant Commissioner for land use management, where he was responsible for land use regulation, water supply, watershed management, water monitoring and standards, and the New Jersey Geological Survey. A 28-year veteran of the DEP, Mauriello is a graduate of Middlebury College, Vermont, where he earned a degree in geology.

“I am proud to lead the Department of Environmental Protection and, on behalf of the people of New Jersey, I am honored to continue tackling the significant environmental challenges we face every day,” Mauriello said. “I sincerely appreciate Governor Corzine’s confidence in my abilities, and I pledge to do all I can to advance his exemplary record of environmental protection in New Jersey.”

 

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Photos from Governor Corzine's public events are available in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/governor/news/