DESTREHAN – St. Charles Parish Councilman-at-Large Ganesier “Ram” Ramchandran was recently named vice-chairman of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee.

Ramchandran was appointed by NACo President Kenneth Mayfield.

NACo’s 11 steering committees form the policy-making arm of the association. Each is made up of 60-100 county officials who meet several times each year to examine issues critical to local government.

This particular committee focuses on air, water and noise pollution control; solid and hazardous waste management and disposal; the preservation and proper utilization of water resources; energy; and the use of land resources, including comprehensive planning, coastal zone management, growth management, energy facilities siting and recreation.

The committee’s recommendations are forwarded to NACo’s membership during the annual conference. If approved, they become part of the “American County Platform,” the basis of NACo’s efforts in representing county concerns to Congress and the White House.

The full committee will meet in Washington, D.C. at the NACo Legislative Conference, set Feb. 28-March 4, 2003, and at the annual conference in Milwaukee, Wisc., July 11-15, 2003.