Bill Text: NJ SR131 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commemorates life, career, and accomplishments of Richard J. Sullivan, the State's first DEP Commissioner.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2014-01-09 - Filed with Secretary of State [SR131 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-SR131-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator BOB SMITH
District 17 (Middlesex and Somerset)
SYNOPSIS
Commemorates life, career, and accomplishments of Richard J. Sullivan, the State's first DEP Commissioner.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution commemorating the life, career, and accomplishments of Richard J. Sullivan, the State's first Environmental Protection Commissioner.
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946; and
Whereas, After serving his country, Richard J. Sullivan earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, a master's degree in English from Seton Hall University, and a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, and later received honorary doctorate degrees from Princeton University, Monmouth College, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Ramapo College; and
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan began his illustrious career in public service in 1950 as a public health engineer, and in 1970, was appointed director of the New Jersey Division of Clean Air and Water; and
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan helped guide New Jersey as it became the third state to consolidate all of its environmental and conservation programs into a single, unified agency, the Department of Environmental Protection; and
Whereas, In 1970, Governor William T. Cahill appointed Richard J. Sullivan the first Commissioner of the new Department, a position he served in for four years; and
Whereas, Under Richard J. Sullivan's leadership, the Department of Environmental Protection flourished, administering many of the State's most important environmental laws, including the Solid Waste Management Act, the Coastal Wetlands Act, and the Coastal Area Facility Review Act; and
Whereas, As Commissioner, Richard J. Sullivan was a tireless advocate for the preservation of parks and open space, whose work helped establish Liberty State Park, the most visited State park; and
Whereas, After his tenure as Commissioner, Richard J. Sullivan served as a trusted advisor and friend to each of his successors, and as a mentor and role model to numerous environmental leaders; and
Whereas, After a 25-year career in government, Richard J. Sullivan served on the faculties at Princeton University and Stevens Institute of Technology, and continued to serve on numerous boards and commissions; and
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan was one of the primary architects of the Pinelands Commission, created in 1979 to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands; and
Whereas, In 1988, Governor Thomas H. Kean, Sr. appointed Richard J. Sullivan to serve as the commission's second chairman, a position he held for 10 years; and
Whereas, As Chairman, Richard J. Sullivan was instrumental in maintaining the environmental standards set for the Pinelands, while making the agency more accessible; and
Whereas, In 2001, Richard J. Sullivan was recognized for his contributions to the Pinelands with the dedication of the Richard J. Sullivan Center for Environmental Policy and Education at the Pinelands Commission headquarters; and
Whereas, In 2005, the Richard J. Sullivan Natural Area within Liberty State Park was named for him in recognition of over 50 years of dedication to improving New Jersey's environment; and
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan's broad expertise, humility, and willingness to help others, and his ability to treat everyone with the utmost respect, regardless of their political views, contributed to the civility of discourse in the State, and ultimately, the wisdom of the State's environmental policies; and
Whereas, Richard J. Sullivan passed away peacefully at his home on December 10, 2013, with his wife and children by his side; and
Whereas, It is appropriate that the Senate of the State of New Jersey commemorate the life, career, and accomplishments of the Richard J. Sullivan, a leader and role model whose life's work was inextricably tied with the environmental progress of this State; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House commemorates the life, career, and accomplishments of Richard J. Sullivan, first Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, second Chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, public servant, role model, and tireless advocate for the preservation of parks and open space.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution signed by the President of the Senate, and attested to by the Secretary thereof, shall be transmitted to the wife and children of Richard J. Sullivan.
STATEMENT
This resolution commemorates and life, career, and accomplishments of Richard J. Sullivan, first Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, second Chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, dedicated public servant, role model, and tireless advocate for the preservation of parks and open space.
