(New York, N.Y.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has named Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer to its Local Government Advisory Committee, which gives recommendations to EPA on key environmental policies.

The 30-member advisory board was formed to foster stronger EPA and local government partnerships and to build on state and local initiatives to affect positive environmental results. Members include locally elected and appointed officials, such as mayors, county executives, city managers and commissioners.

"Mayor Dawn Zimmer was selected because of her strong track record on environmental protection, and particularly her efforts to make Hoboken a more sustainable city," said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. "Her commitment to making Hoboken a healthy and resilient community serves as an example for communities across the country. EPA is grateful to have her input on a range of issues we tackle."

Mayor Zimmer's record of leading Hoboken during Hurricane Sandy, and her efforts of working to make the city better prepared for flooding from future storms, were factored into her selection to be a part of the group. During her tenure, Hoboken developed a comprehensive resilience plan in 2013, which identifies key actions such as developing a stronger energy distribution system, among other measures to prevent flooding from storms and sea-level rise.

"As mayor of a city on the front lines of climate change, it is an honor to serve on the EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee," said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. "I hope that sharing our experiences and lessons as an urban coastal community that is adapting to the dual threat of rising seas and stronger storms will help lead to solutions to some of our greatest environmental challenges."

Additionally, Hoboken was one of three cities in the state funded by Together New Jersey to showcase a green infrastructure project. The initiative reinvented land use and transportation strategies for better stormwater management. Mayor Zimmer has also prioritized the renovation and enhancement of parks, and her newest focus is the development of a sustainability plan for Hoboken that addresses long-term and short-term goals to improve the city's environmental, economic and social resiliency during emergencies.

EPA's Local Government Advisory Committee is often called upon to advise the agency on matters such as air and water quality, waste management and coastal restoration. The committee consists of one subcommittee and five workgroups. The subcommittee is assigned with strengthening the capacity of small communities to improve their health and the environment. The five workgroups focus efforts on a range of issues, such as air, climate, water, pollution cleanup and environmental justice. The EPA selects members from a range of diverse communities, which ensures communities across the country receive fair representation. Members can serve up to two 2-year terms.

For more information about LGAC, visit http://www.epa.gov/ocir/scas_lgac/lgac_index.htm.

Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and Facebook at http://facebook.com/eparegion2.

15-057