DPR updates Assembly on new Environmental Justice Advisory Committee and required staff support

The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) briefed the subcommittee on AB 652 implementation and the newly formed Environmental Justice Advisory Committee (EJAC). Celia Pazos, deputy director for Environmental Justice and Equity at DPR, said the EJAC had its inaugural meeting in December 2025 and that the 2024 Budget Act provided two staff positions to support the committee.

Pazos explained the staff tasks: develop member nominations and appointments, coordinate public meetings (including at least one meeting in a community with high pesticide use), manage travel and per diem for members, provide technical assistance and maintain an EJAC webpage. Contract funds in the BCP will support facilitation, translation, technical assistance and other meeting‑related costs. The department said full costs for hosting two annual meetings—one likely outside Sacramento—are still being refined as the committee defines its priorities and charter.

Members asked for clarity on meeting cadence and the scope of staff responsibilities; DPR said the charter is being revised to reflect committee input and the staff roles are intended to evolve along with the EJAC's work. DPR committed to further cost accounting once the committee establishes its near‑term agenda.