EPA appoints MWRD leader to national advisory committee
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has appointed Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Vice President Kimberly Du Buclet to serve on a national advisory committee.
Vice President Du Buclet is one of 15 new members appointed out of a pool of 80 candidates to serve on the EPA’s 34-member Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) responsible for the implementation of many public health and environmental programs that ensure Americans have clean air and water, safe drinking water and environmentally sound waste disposal.
“I am grateful to be chosen for this important committee and the opportunity to represent the MWRD and the Chicago region,” said Vice President Du Buclet. “Serving on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee will allow us to bring to the forefront many critical issues that impact our water, and I hope serving on the committee will allow us to put those issues into focus and better protect the public health and environment for generations to come.”
Selections for the one- and two-year terms were made in accordance with the LGAC charter seeking to achieve balance and diversity in terms of geographic location, gender, ethnicity, and stakeholder perspective. The LGAC will have an even split of male and female members, including 14 people of color, and representation from 29 different states and U.S. territories, according to the EPA.
“Vice President Du Buclet is a seasoned professional in the water industry, and she will have a positive impact as well as contribute essential information,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “We are all very excited to have this opportunity to be seated at the table with more direct input on these important matters on the national stage.”
“Our partnerships with local governments are critical to EPA’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis and ensure that investments from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act reach the communities that need them most,” said U.S EPA Administrator Michael Regan who made the appointment. “The recommendations provided by the LGAC today demonstrate the pride we take in prioritizing local voices, and I look forward to working with the new membership over the coming year.”
The LGAC expects to meet in person or by teleconference approximately three to six times per year. The committee aims to provide independent policy advice and recommendations to Administrator Regan on EPA policies, procedures and practices that impact local government and how effective intergovernmental partnerships can help further the EPA’s mission and priority areas, including climate change, environmental justice, water quality and water infrastructure, innovation, energy, air quality, and community revitalization, among others.