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RCAC’S MORALES FIRST WOMAN TO CHAIR NATIONAL WATER COUNCIL

July 14, 2011

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Olga Morales, RCAC rural development specialist, has been reappointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC) for another three-year term. Morales will serve as the council chair this term. She is the first woman to chair on NDWAC since its inception in 1976.

The NDWAC is a Federal Advisory Committee that supports the EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities related to the national drinking water program. The council has 15 members comprised of the general public, state and local agencies, and private groups concerned with safe drinking water who serve as special government employees for three-year terms.

In a letter to Morales, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson wrote, “Your contributions to the council have been invaluable, and we appreciate your thoughtful and solid advice on implementing the statutory requirements and program activities mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.”

The council meets twice a year, in the spring and fall. They may also hold conference calls on which a majority of the members must participate. The council holds open meetings and provides opportunities for the public to make statements or file comments before or after such meetings.

“The last three years as member of the council, I have been given the opportunity to bring forward issues and challenges faced by small water utilities and to work with the council and the agency towards potential solutions. The drinking water challenges we face as a nation are many, and both the council and EPA are committed to protect and preserve our nation’s drinking water quality and quantity, while creating sustainability for future generations," said Morales. "It is an honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to lead the council over the next three years. We are a great group and I look forward to working together.”

Morales provides technical assistance and training to small, rural water systems throughout southern New Mexico. She is certified as a leadership development trainer under the Ford Institute for Leadership Program, which is sponsored by The Ford Family Foundation. She recently was chosen to attend REALIZE a new leadership development program created by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

Founded in 1978, RCAC provides a wide range of community development services for rural and Native American communities, agricultural workers and community-based organizations in 13 western states. RCAC’s core services and expertise are in housing, environmental infrastructure (water, wastewater and solid waste), leadership training, economic development and financing.

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