Virginia College Staffer Part of National Environmental Steering Committee
Posted: Wednesday, July 2, 2008
At her job at Virginia College Online, Project Coordinator Allyn Krall makes certain students have a successful educational experience while attending the Internet school. But she is also working to assure we all have a better environment in the future through her work with the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Steering Committee. Krall is a representative of the state of Alabama on the committee.
The group recently met in Cleveland, Ohio, where they heard from top speakers on subjects including climate change, dwindling energy sources, water issues, and the infestation in the West by bark beetles. Cleveland Councilmember Matt Zone hosted the spring meeting, which included a series of field visits. Committee members received a first-hand look by boat of the Cuyahoga River, once known as "the river that caught fire" that precipitated the Clean Water Act. The Cuyahoga is now undergoing a dramatic recovery evident by new commercial and residential development and the increasingly common sight of great blue herons along the banks. The committee also visited some of the top "green" sites in the city, including the Cleveland EcoVillage development, intended as a model, sustainable urban village.
The steering committee will reconvene for its fall meeting September 18-20, in Plano, Texas. Policy recommendations will then be referred to the full EENR Policy and Advocacy Committee in November at the Congress of Cities in Orlando, Florida.
"I'm honored to be chosen to represent my state and city in this effort," Krall says. "And I appreciate Virginia College Online allowing me the time to participate. This is a group that can make recommendations for positive change and it is exciting to be a part of it."
Krall was appointed to the committee by the National League of Cities. She also serves as a city council member in her hometown of Homewood, Alabama, and has done work in the past with NLC.
"The League knew me from my involvement with the group and also knew of my interest in environmental matters," Krall noted.