This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened nominations in the Federal Register to serve on it’s Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) and Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS). To be considered for appointment qualified nominees most hold elected or appointed positions with local, tribal, state or territorial governments. The SCAS has been in place since 1996 and is a standing subcommittee to advise on issues of concern to smaller communities, specifically including the following objectives:
- To change how EPA and state primacy agencies develop environmental regulations that impact small communities.
- To effectively inform agencies of the disproportionate costs of providing environmental protection (and affected services) in small communities so that adequate resources are appropriated and allocated accordingly.
- To encourage that a range of technical assistance and professional services be provided to small communities through EPA, States and third party providers.
Included within the Federal Register Notices is an expansion of their objectives to also include:
“advancing environmental justice; ensuring access to clean air and water; reducing greenhouse gas emission; bolstering resilience to the impacts of climate change; and limiting exposure to dangerous chemicals and pesticides.”
Acknowledging the importance of retaining State Preemption NALP is looking for any eligible elected or appointment officials with close ties to the landscape industry. If you have any thoughts or suggestions please contact Andrew Bray as soon as possible. The deadline for nominations is April 16th.
