Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill Nominates Ed Potosnak as New Jersey DEP Commissioner

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Nominee brings clean energy leadership, local governance experience, and permitting reform focus to NJDEP

By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): TRENTON, NJ — Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has announced the nomination of Ed Potosnak to serve as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), positioning him to lead the state’s efforts on flood resilience, toxic chemical mitigation, and environmental remediation.

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If confirmed, Potosnak will oversee NJDEP initiatives aimed at strengthening New Jersey’s preparedness for extreme weather and flooding, addressing harmful PFAS contamination, and accelerating the cleanup of polluted and brownfield sites. The incoming Sherrill–Caldwell Administration has emphasized a balanced approach that protects New Jersey’s air, land, and water while improving efficiency, reducing bureaucratic delays, and supporting responsible economic growth.

“Ed Potosnak is a proven leader who will play a critical role in protecting New Jersey residents from flooding and extreme weather while advancing the cleanup of contaminated sites,” Governor-elect Sherrill said in a statement. She highlighted his experience as a licensed contractor and his ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to deliver practical, community-centered solutions.

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Potosnak said he looks forward to building on the Governor-elect’s environmental record, including flood mitigation, PFAS cleanup, brownfield redevelopment, and investments in clean energy. Drawing on his background as a contractor and business owner, he emphasized the importance of streamlining state permitting processes while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.

“Ensuring government is responsive to job creators while protecting New Jersey’s natural resources is essential,” Potosnak said, noting that efficient permitting can support both economic vitality and environmental protection.

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A Career Spanning Public Service, Education, and Environmental Advocacy.

Widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s leading voices on clean energy and environmental protection, Potosnak currently serves as Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. He is also Co-Chair of the New Jersey Keep It Green Coalition and the New Jersey State Lead for the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

His public service includes time as a Councilmember in Franklin Township (Somerset County) and as a President and member of the local School Board. He was appointed by former Governor Phil Murphy to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Board, reflecting his regional leadership on planning and environmental issues.

In addition to his policy work, Potosnak is a lecturer at Rutgers University, where he mentors students pursuing careers in sustainability and public service. He also serves on the Rutgers Glee Club Alumni Advisory Committee.

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Before entering environmental policy full-time, Potosnak taught high school chemistry and founded a successful home improvement company as a licensed contractor. His commitment to science education and public service earned him the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship, which brought him to Capitol Hill to help shape national science and education policy.

Potosnak holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Education from Rutgers University.

Editorial Note | Adam Rizvi, Editor-in-Chief:

The nomination of Ed Potosnak reflects Governor-elect Sherrill’s emphasis on pairing environmental stewardship with administrative efficiency. As climate resilience, infrastructure modernization, and clean energy development increasingly intersect with economic growth, leadership at NJDEP will be central to shaping New Jersey’s future.

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Curated by Humra Kidwai