EMC Committees are formed on an as-needed basis by vote of the Council to address particular topics or study issues. Committees meet independently to complete their work. Final results, recommendations, and actions of the committees are approved by the full EMC, with the exception of the Environmental Review Committee, which provides written comments on actions subject to time-sensitive State Environmental Quality Review. EMC Members must participate on at least one of the Council's committees or serve as a liaison to another organization.

2010 Committees

Executive Committee

The executive committee primarily performs administrative tasks. We monitor attendance and committee work, coordinate the selection of speakers for our meetings, select the slate for membership appointments, and provide support for legislation (example: bottle bill).

Communication Committee

The communications committee is charged with providing education and information about current EMC projects and local environmental issues and concerns. The committee will update the EMC website, highlight EMC success stories, and serve as a resource for our community.

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee's primary mission is to support implementation of the 2008 Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Element of the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Element sets the ambitious countywide goal of 80 percent reduction of GHG emissions from 2008 levels by 2050.

Unique Natural Areas (UNA) Committee

This committee‘s charge is to update the UNA Inventory in 2010. The Unique Natural Areas Inventory includes an extensive database, GIS coverage, and report on nearly 200 sites determined to contain significant ecological, biological, geological, or aesthetic characteristics.

Environmental Review Committee

The mission of the Environmental Review Committee is to study and respond to development proposals that might affect the environment in Tompkins County. We generally respond to proposals and Environmental Impact Statements that come from developers, or municipalities, and by state law are open for public comment. Our recommendations are submitted to the Tompkins County Planning Department, the Tompkins County Legislature, the State of New York, and other interested parties.

Liaison Positions

Cornell University Lake Source Cooling

Water Resources Council (voting seat)

Ag & Farmland Protection Board

Cornell Community Waste Management Advisory Committee

Adopt-A-Highway Clean-up Coordinator

Cayuga Sustainability Council

Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management

City of Ithaca Project Advisory Committee for Dredging