TRENTON, N.J. -Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes was recently appointed to the Environment, Energy, and Land Use Steering Committee for the National Association of Counties.

"I'm extremely excited about serving on this committee," said Hughes. "Sustainability has been one of my main concerns since I first began working with County government, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to make an impact on a nationwide level."

As a member of this committee, Hughes will work actively with other NACo members to promote green practices and sustainability in households and workplaces across America. In Mercer County, Hughes has already made available a number of resources to help residents live more environmentally friendly lives, including:

• A variety of public transportation services
  
• An aggressive open space preservation program
  
• Subsidies for purchasing fresh produce from local farmers
  
• Weatherization assistance for low-income homeowners
  
• New hiking trails and sports fields
  
• hazardous waste disposal and electronic waste recycling events
  
• Matching grants for municipal construction of active recreation facilities
  
• An online "Green Living Guide" available through the County's main website
  

For more information about living green in Mercer County, visit and follow the "Green Living Guide " link.