Eddy County Commissioner Joins ECA Executive Board

    CARLSBAD, NM, January 08, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Eddy County Commission Chairman Roxanne Lara has been elected to the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA) 2012 executive board.

The ECA is a non-profit organization of local governments which host, or are adjacent to, Department of Energy sites. The Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is located in Eddy County, about 26 miles east of Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Lara was elected ECA Secretary by ECA members during a Dec. 14, 2011, meeting in New Orleans, La.

"WIPP has been one of the most incredible success stories in the history of the Department of Energy, in terms of safety, operational success, and the building of effective ties between the DOE and nearby communities," Lara said. "As someone who has seen, first-hand, how well the DOE and its neighboring communities can work together, I'm honored to serve on the ECA's executive board."

ECA's mission is to bring together local government officials in Department of Energy-impacted communities to share information, establish policy positions, and advocate community interests in order to effectively address an increasingly complex set of environmental, regulatory, and economic development needs. "Our involvement with ECA allows us to participate in problem solving with other communities while addressing the nation's nuclear issues. This is an avenue that ensures the needs of the local governments and citizens are always kept in mind," Lara said.

"As the nation continues to learn about the importance of Southeastern New Mexico's salt beds, I believe our area's close relationship with the DOE will continue to expand," said Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway. "I'm thrilled to have someone such as Roxanne Lara representing our area's government and citizens during this critical time period."

Lara, of Carlsbad, founded Lara Law Firm and represents private citizens and businesses through a varied practice. As a community member, Lara serves on many boards, including the Mayor's Nuclear Task Force and the Eddy County- Lea County Energy Alliance. . A strong advocate for women in leadership, Lara represents New Mexico as a delegate to Vision 2020, a national project aimed at advancing women's leadership and equality. Lara also serves on the Executive Board of the Carlsbad Department of Development and is a strong proponent of economic development for Eddy County.

Oak Ridge, Tenn. Mayor Tom Beehan will serve as 2012's ECA chairman, while Aiken County, S.C., City Councilor Chuck Smith is the organization's vice-chair. Another New Mexico resident, Los Alamos County City Councilor Fran Berting, is the organization's treasurer. Finally, Richland, Wash. City Councilor Robert Thomas serves as immediate past-chair.

The Carlsbad Department of Development promotes the economic and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Carlsbad and South Eddy County, New Mexico.

Website: http://www.developcarlsbad.org

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