About Elliot Ruga

Elliott Ruga is an environmental advocate and media producer whose work spans decades of engagement with land use policy, conservation planning, and public communication. He is based in New Jersey, where his efforts center on protecting watershed systems, advancing equitable access to open space, and demystifying the civic processes that shape environmental outcomes. His work with the New Jersey Highlands Coalition reflects a long-standing commitment to coalition-building and transparency in regional planning.

Before turning to advocacy full time, Elliott built a foundation in visual media — directing, editing, and producing video content that clarified complex systems for broader audiences. This work earned him two Sports Emmy Awards for technical achievement on NBC’s Olympic broadcasts, but more importantly, it shaped his approach to public-facing storytelling. Today, he applies the same visual discipline to environmental communications, blending design, narrative, and data to support informed civic engagement.

Elliott’s published columns have appeared in The Star-Ledger, NorthJersey.com, and The New York Times, often addressing the intersection of policy, equity, and environmental accountability. Whether producing visual materials for legislative hearings or crafting language that brings legal frameworks into sharper focus, he works with precision and purpose. His approach is guided by the belief that environmental decisions must be made visible — not only to experts and policymakers, but to the people most affected by them. Read more of Elliott’s insights on his blog.