City of Mesa Newsroom Announcement

Mesa department director appointed to EPA committee 08-22-2016 at 12:53:00 PM Source: http://www.mesanow.org City of Mesa Environmental Management & Sustainability Director Scott Bouchie has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPAs) Local Government Advisory Committee. [image to the left from Phoenix GoGreen] The Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) is composed primarily of elected and appointed local officials, along with several state representatives and environmental interest groups from across the country. The LGAC provides advice and recommendations that assist the EPA in developing a stronger partnership with local governments through building state and local capacity to deliver environmental services and programs. Blogger's note: Mr. Bouchie might have a very full plate to deal with chronic non-attainment here in Mesa and Maricopa County for violating EPA Clean Air Standards. For more than ten days [including yesterday] High Pollution Ozone Alerts have been in effect. The ultimate goal of the LGAC is to provide the citizens of the United States with more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state and federal level. The LGAC crafts its advice through the help of four workgroups and a Small Communities Advisory subcommittee. The workgroups include:

Air, Climate and Energy Workgroup Cleaning up Our Communities Workgroup Expanding the Conversation (Environmental Justice) Workgroup Protecting America's Waters Workgroup Scott Bouchie was appointed to two workgroups, Air, Climate and Energy and Protecting America's Waters, and is the only representative from Arizona serving on the committee. City of Mesa Councilmember Dave Richins recently ended his term on the national committee where he served for four years. Bouchie has worked in the municipal arena for twenty years focusing on air quality, water quality, renewables, energy efficiency, resource conservation and resource recovery. His position at the City of Mesa has required him to be on both sides of the equation [Blogger'sNote: usually not a good idea] - as someone who is regulating activities and as someone who is responsible for assuring compliance, or being regulated by EPA requirements. "I am so excited to represent Mesa on this committee," Scott Bouchie said. "Arizona is an extraordinary environment with unique challenges related to dust, heat and water. My experience with each of these topics will make me a strong advocate for developing creative and innovative strategies and policies that take into account both the environmental and fiscal sides of the issues."  [Blogger's Note: don't we hear this same old stuff in the words italicized all the time??] The Air, Climate and Energy workgroup focuses on improving air quality, taking action on climate change, and promoting clean, renewable energy sources. The Protecting America's Waters workgroup focuses on ways that communities and EPA can ensure that we have adequate, safe water resources to support a healthy population and vibrant economy. The LGAC requires multiple online meetings and an annual trip to EPA headquarters in Washington D.C. Environmental Management & Sustainability Contact: Mariano Reyes Tel. 480-644-5005mariano.reyes@mesaaz.gov