A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF NEEFTI
Serving on the Board of NEETFI is truly a labor of love and an honor since 2002, when we created this non-profit organization. I think that has been the case for our volunteer board of directors as well. After having worked for years in the environmental protection programs in our states, we were inspired to create this non-profit because of a shared experience - we all knew that we had helped to create and to sustain a unique program, one that gives people the tools to do their jobs well. It has saved the states hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has built a workforce that is self-educating.
Enforcement of these complex environmental laws is resource intensive – the workforce must be trained to understand, collect and evaluate scientific and forensic data that may become evidence of a crime. The four associations provide a means to share educational resources across the country, so that we can more effectively protect all of the states from illegal and potentially dangerous pollution releases.
One question that is always on our minds: What happens if we don’t continue this training? The answer: We will have state laws that we can’t properly enforce for lack of the skills needed. We know from experience that while some regulated businesses will not spend the money necessary to keep their operations legal, they will often spend a great deal of money in legal support to avoid the consequences of their actions. The states will not be able to ensure compliance at these facilities, unless their personnel possess the skills needed to prove their cases, and to demonstrate that the environmental laws are enforceable and meaningful.
I serve on NEETFIs Board because I believe in the work of the professionals – the instructors and course designers who volunteer to train with the REEAs. Through their work, they educate the enforcement personnel in their own programs AND in other states. I believe that their work makes a difference, and that they are part of the solution to an ever growing population and increasing human impact on the natural environment on which we all depend.
I serve on NEETFIs Board because the state enforcers who take the time to share their skills and knowledge are constantly demonstrating their volunteer spirit and their love of their states through their work. I cannot imagine doing anything more meaningful than supporting their efforts to educate themselves and their colleagues, to make their states cleaner and better all the time, and to pass on an organization that will continue to educate future environmental protectors.
_____________________________________________________________________
You can ensure that the enforcement training program is sustained for future generations. State representatives can support this partnership through settlement funds or state grants.
Foundations with an environmental mission are invited to attend a NEEP course, to learn about this important work! Please contact Carmen Korleski, President, NEETFI at 614-356-3850.