Fraser appointed to EPA subcommittee

Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser is among 16 new members from across the country to be appointed to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee, EPA Administer Michael S. Regan announced Aug. 25.

Said Fraser, “I thank Michael Regan, the United States EPA administrator, for appointing me to the Small Community Advisory Subcommittee.  I look forward to adding voice and volume, with a bias for action, to the environmental and public health needs of small communities across the United States.”

The objectives of SCAS are to change how the EPA and state agencies develop environmental regulations that in turn impact small communities. The subcommittee also focuses on the costs of environmental protections and services to small communities appropriating and allocating adequate resources. 

The SCAS goal is for “every small community in America to have clean air, drinking water, waste disposal, and related services that safeguard their health …” This subcommittee focuses on improving and protecting the health of residents “and the environment in which they live,” according to SCAS statements.

SCAS encourages a range of professional and technical assistance to small communities through the EPA.

“The EPA is committed to hearing the voices of communities whether they are large or small,” said Diana Esher, EPA Mid-Atlantic Acting Regional Administrator.  “Mayor Fraser has proven he is committed to the residents in Purcellville. His appointment to the Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee ensures that the residents have a seat at the table and that environmental issues that are of concern to them are not only heard but addressed.”

Regan also announced the appointment of 34 members to the Local Government Advisory Committee, the committee of which the SCAS is a part.

The 39-member LGAC will include representation from 30 states, Tribal nations, and U.S. territories, representing a cross-section of cities, counties, towns, and communities.

“I’m honored to welcome this diverse, highly qualified group of local leaders who will bring valuable insight and experience to the Agency,” said Regan. “EPA is counting on their input and collaboration to help achieve our mission to protect public health and the environment in every zip code. From tackling climate change to advancing environmental justice, we need local partners at the table to address our most pressing environmental challenges.”

Regan appointed Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird of Lincoln, Nebraska as the LGAC’s new chair, and town manager Lisa Wong of Winchester, Massachusetts as the LGAC’s vice chair.

He also appointed Commissioner Christine Lowery of Cibola County, New Mexico as the SCAS’s new chair, and Mayor Julian McTizic of Bolivar, Tennessee as the SCAS’s new vice chair.

“Through service on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, I look forward to advancing climate security, infrastructure development, economic opportunity, environmental justice, and quality of life for people here in Lincoln and across our country,” said Mayor Baird.

“The Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee focuses on the grounded experience of environmental impacts and EPA response to local communities and counties,” said Commissioner Lowery. “As a Pueblo woman, I recognize the art of storytelling as an effective form of communication. These stories can strengthen the EPA stakeholder process, depending on who the storytellers are, who hears them, and how the stories are carried.”

 Both groups plan to hold their first meeting this fall.