Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel Named to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Panel

MOUNT HOLLY – Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel has been selected to join a national panel that advises the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on environmental policy and issues.

Eckel was one of 16 new members and 13 returning members who were appointed to serve on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee. The panel was created in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide independent and objective policy advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of issues affecting the environment and local governments.

In 2024, the committee is expected to provide input on proposed lead and copper rule changes, a draft policy for reducing plastic pollution and strategies to improve community engagement on climate change issues.

Eckel is one of just two New Jersey officials serving on the panel this year. The other is Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

“Protecting our natural environment is a passion of mine, so I’m excited to bring our County’s perspective to this group,” said Eckel. “Issues like sustainability, environmental justice and climate change require all levels of government to work together, and the Local Government Advisory Committee helps facilitate the kind of cooperation and interaction that’s needed. I’m honored to join and participate in these important conversations.”

Eckel has served on the Burlington County Board of Commissioners since April 2022 and is liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks, the Department of Public Safety and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Prior to joining the County Board, she served on the Lenape Regional High School District Board of Education. She has also spent more than a decade volunteering as a scout leader, mentor and advisor to Boy Scouts of America, including as Scoutmaster for the first all-girl troop in the Garden State Council.

Eckel said serving on the EPA panel would provide her more opportunities to learn about environmental issues and advocate for Burlington County and New Jersey.

“Burlington County has unique and varied landscapes that includes thousands of acres of farmland, forests and open space, along with critical water supplies and diverse species of wildlife,” she said. “I hope to share some of our success stories and learn from the experiences of elected colleagues from across the country.”