EPA Administrator Reappoints Leaders from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Willow Springs, Missouri, to National Advisory Committee

LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 11, 2024) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the appointments of 16 new members to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC), as well as the reappointments of 13 existing members.

For the first time in the committee’s history, the membership will have a female majority, including all members of the committee’s leadership.

The LGAC is comprised of elected and appointed officials from across the nation, who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on issues affecting local governments.

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska, will continue as the LGAC’s chair. Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Rich of Willow Springs, Missouri, will continue as a member on the LGAC’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS).

“The Biden-Harris administration has made a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility across the federal government,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of this commitment in action. In addition to a majority of female members, this important committee is comprised of individuals from across the country, representing the diversity of America, so we can reflect a range of input as we craft regulations impacting their communities.”

The 37-member LGAC will have 24 females and 13 males, including 13 people of color, and representation from 27 different states. The Administrator also appointed sixnew and 15 returning members to the LGAC’s SCAS. Read about the members and the communities they represent on EPA’s LGAC Members page.

Mayor Lucy Vinis of Eugene, Oregon, will continue as the LGAC’s vice chair. Administrator Regan also appointed Mayor Katie Rosenberg of Wausau, Wisconsin, to join Ann Mallek, supervisor of Albemarle County, Virginia, as co-chairs of the SCAS.

“I am grateful to Administrator Regan for reappointment as chair of the Local Government Advisory Committee,” Baird said. “Members of the LGAC have a historic opportunity to shape the implementation of EPA policies so that they best serve the diverse interests and concerns of the residents we represent.”

In 2024, the LGAC will provide input on the proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, the draft Strategy for Reducing Plastic Pollution, EPA’s efforts to develop a cumulative impact framework, and improving community-level communication and engagement on climate change issues.

Members were chosen from a pool of over 60 highly qualified candidates. Selections for the one- and two-year terms were based on the applicant pool and in accordance with the LGAC charter to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective.

Background

Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) is comprised of elected and appointed officials at local, state, tribal, and territorial governments within the U.S., who provide independent policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting local governments.

The Small Community Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) was established by EPA in 1996 to advise the Administrator on environmental issues of concern to the residents of smaller communities. New members are recruited every fall.