Willow Springs Mayor Pro Tem Kim Rich has been reappointed to her position on, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Local Government Advisory Committee, contributing to a landmark moment for the committee, which now, for first time in its history boasts a female majority.
Rich, employed in environmental compliance by Coastal Energy in Willow Springs was first appointed in 2023, named to the Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAS) of the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). She was one of 13 new members to be appointed to the committee, and 15 to the subcommittee.
She will continue to serve on the subcommittee to which she was first appointed, and is one of 13 returning members to the committee. The LGAC is made up of elected and appointed officials from across the country, who provide independent policy advice to the EPA administrator on issues concerning local governments, officials explained.
“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 in Thursday’s announcment. “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, said officials
In 2024, the LGAC will provide input on 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, in line with Rich’s initial vision for participating in the committee.
“It will allow our community — especially local government and business — to see further ahead what new policies or regulations may be under review by EPA,” Rich told the Quill in 2023. “Conversely, we’ll have a voice in that process as those items are being considered, which is a great opportunity for all of us. And as regulatory issues move forward, participation in this subcommittee will provide our community better understanding of these issues.”
Rich has been an employee in Coastal Energy’s environmental compliance department for about four and a half years, which has given her a unique insight into policies and regulations.
Committee 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.
The Local Government Advisory Committee was chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide independent policy advice to the EPA administrator regarding the agency’s impact on issues concerning local governments. The subcommittee was established four years ago to advise the administrator of environmental concerns for residents of smaller communities.
