Christie Picks New DEP Commissioner
By: Henry T. Chou, Esq.
Governor-Elect Chris Christie has selected Bob Martin, a retired utility consultant, as the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Martin, formerly of the consulting firm Accenture LLP, served as Christie's energy and environmental policy advisor during last year's gubernatorial campaign.
At his introductory press conference on January 13, Martin announced that his goals include preserving open space, cleaning up toxic waste and reforming the protracted permitting process prevalent in all DEP departments. Martin also reaffirmed his commitment to implementing renewable energy and "green" policies in New Jersey.