AEA supports the work of 85 water, wastewater and solid waste utilities in New Jersey. AEA members are mainly municipal, regional and county authorities. They are publicly owned and operated, and they employ more than 5,000 utility pros. AEA members are hometown utilities providing a public service. The association provides legislative and regulatory support to members, as well continuing education, and networking. AEA provides information to the public about public environmental authorities in the State of New Jersey. In the last five years, AEA has successfully launched the Environmental Professional Development Academy, which trains future leaders of public environmental utilities. To date nearly 100 men and women have completed the four-track EPDA course.