Calling all Future EMC Members!

We have open seats at the moment and ask you to consider joining our Council or recommending other committed and enthusiastic individuals.

What EMC means to the Tompkins County Legislature -- The EMC is an appointed, volunteer advisory board to the County Legislature on matters affecting the preservation, development, and use of the natural features of the County. The Legislature charges EMC with identifying problems, proposing priorities, and promoting the coordination of activities in the development and management of the County’s natural resources.

The Council’s voting seats -- The EMC is composed of a diverse group of representatives from across the County and encourages dialogue on issues related to our natural environment. We strive to have a representative from each of the 16 municipalities – the towns, villages, and the City of Ithaca – as well as 12 at-large members. At-Large seats exist on the EMC so a balance can be struck between municipal concerns and skills like grassroots organizing, land management, public policy, energy, neighborhood associations, etc.

Standards of service – Members of the EMC meet monthly to bring information to the group, provide insight, and interact in decision making processes. Members are expected to attend all 11 meetings held over the year; however up to two absences are tolerated. Attendance is important so the EMC will have a quorum present when voting action is required to move a concept forward to the Legislature. EMC members must also participate on at least one of the Council's committees or serve as a liaison to another organization. Committees, liaisons, and municipal boards tend to have associated monthly obligations.

Committees – EMC committees are formed on an as-needed basis 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.

Liaisons- Liaisons are members of other groups that communicate shared interests about environmental issues. The EMC currently has a liaison to the Tompkins County Water Resources Council. Past liasions have included  Cornell Lake Source Cooling, Ag & Farm Board, Cornell Community Waste Management Advisory Committee, Adopt a Highway Clean-up Coordinator, Cayuga Sustainability Council, Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, and City of Ithaca Project Advisory Committee for Dredging.

Technical expertise sought: We have a variety of technical specialties represented in our group, including fisheries management, entomology, toxicology, economy, biological and civil engineering, and communications. In the future we are looking for members who can provide insight about climate change (including either statistical or engineering components), hazardous waste sites present in Tompkins County, agriculture and soil and water conservation, and planning or zoning to provide a balanced view for environmental review assessments.

If you would like to apply for membership on the EMC, please visit the Tompkins County Legislature's website for an electronic application. You are also welcome to stop by the Department of Planning and Sustainability (121 E. Court Street, downtown Ithaca) for a paper copy.

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EMC municipal representatives must also submit a resolution of support from the municipality. If you have any questions about the appointment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Planning and Sustainability Department at 274-5560.