About Us
Advancing environmental collaboration, education, and action in Southwest Missouri
Operating under the governance of the Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council (HSTCC), the Truman Environmental Task Force unites local governments, tribal nations, community partners, educators, and volunteers to address environmental challenges through data-driven planning, grant development, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
The Task Force's Story
The original task force formed in 1992 by the City of Joplin in response to early EPA Superfund work in Joplin. They acted as a liaison between the EPA, MoDNR, and the city on Superfund work. This group also acted as an educational source for the public on Superfund and the hazards of lead, cadmium, etc.
In 2004-2005 the task force reorganized into the Jasper and Newton County Environmental Task Force, a 501-C3 not for profit corporation. This was done in response to EPA Superfund work largely being completed within the city of Joplin as well as the ability to expand into other areas of Jasper and Newton counties. The focus changed from just one city to a two county area. This new group also started to include other environmental issues over time like water quality and air quality.
2009 is when ground level ozone was added as an issue of concern. The area was on verge of being in non-compliance with federal ground level ozone standards. In response, the Jasper and Newton County Environmental Task Force began monitoring local ozone data and providing education on the issue to local governments and the public.
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In 2025 the former task force was officially dissolved, and their goals and initiatives were taken over by the Harry S Truman Coordinating Council. Using the Truman Council's resources, this new task force, now called the Truman Environmental Task Force, is able to expand to Barton and McDonald counties to cover all of the Council's 4 county target area.
We look forward to continuing the great impact that an environmental task force can continue to have in Southwest Missouri!
