DeLange appointed to federal advisory committee

Hayden City Councilwoman Jeri DeLange will represent the interests of small Idaho communities in her newly appointed advisory role to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Established in 1996, the Small Communities Advisory Committee provides insight to EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on environmental issues that impact residents in smaller communities and counties.'

“Being a part of this diverse group to help make recommendations to the EPA Administrator, influence how environmental regulations are developed and share that information will be extremely useful for the future of smaller communities and local governments,” DeLange said. 

The SCAC defines its goal as ensuring people in every small American community “have clean air, drinking water, waste disposal and related services that safeguard their health in a friendly and sustainable environment.” 

Out of over 150 nominees, DeLange is one of 16 individuals the EPA appointed to the committee this week. DeLange is also the sole Idaho representative and the only SCAC official from the West Coast. 

DeLange said her passion for protecting public health stems from her childhood in the Silver Valley. Growing up near the Bunker Hill Smelting Complex, DeLange has seen decades of EPA environmental efforts. 

The EPA also announced the appointment of 34 new members to the Local Government Advisory Committee that provides independent policy advice to Regan on how to provide citizens with more effective and equitable environmental protection.