News Releases from Region 01

Auburn Planning Commission Chairman Ron Poltak Named to National EPA Advisory Committee

BOSTON (May 11, 2018) – Today, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the appointment of Auburn Planning Commission Chairman Ron Poltak of Auburn, N.H., to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC). The 34-member LGAC helps EPA develop strong partnerships with local governments to provide more efficient and effective environmental protection at the community, state, and federal level.

EPA is committed to collaborating with states and local governments in the spirit of cooperative federalism to build on their work to achieve cost reductions and better allocate resources. Improvements to public health and the environment are best achieved when EPA works together with states, tribes, and communities to address environmental issues through trust, collaboration, and partnership.

"EPA's efforts to protect public health and the environment are most effective when the Agency works cooperatively with state and local governments," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. "I look forward to working with the committee members on important environmental issues while developing stronger and more robust partnerships across states, tribes, and local communities."

"Chairman Poltak has devoted his career to environmental issues facing New England communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Alexandra Dunn. "The recognition he has received for this work conveys his dedication to environmental protection, and he will provide strong representation to the committee on state water infrastructure and water quality issues."

Chairman Poltak has spent more than 40 years working in environmental policy, development, and implementation. He formerly served as the Executive Director of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission where he worked with member states on the evolving needs of water infrastructure and emerging contaminants. In 2014, the Association of Clean Water Administrators recognized him with its Environmental Statesman Award, the association's highest honor.

The panel was selected based on their demonstrated leadership experience, proven record of service to their communities, and involvement in effective environmental protection services and programs at the community, state, and federal level.

Chartered in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Local Government Advisory Committee provides independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator. The committee intends to meet in early summer to begin their work.

For more information and to see the full list of newly appointed LGAC members, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ocir/scas_lgac/lgac_index.htm.