About the EMC
- Background
- Members
- Committees
- How to Get Involved
- Meeting Schedule
- EMC Acronyms
- Awards and Accomplishments
Organization
The Environmental Management Council is Tompkins County's official citizen advisory board on local environmental issues. The primary purpose of the EMC is to advise the County Legislature on matters affecting the preservation, development, and use of the natural features and conditions of the County that have a bearing on environmental quality. The Council also considers other matters referred to the Council by the County Legislature.
In addition, the EMC serves as a link between County government and the public, educating citizens on environmental issues of concern. The Council develops and conducts public information programs in the County that are designed to increase understanding of the nature of environmental problems and issues and their solutions. The Council conducts studies, surveys, and inventories of natural and scenic features that are of local, County, or regional significance.
28 Voting Seats:
- 12 At-large seats
- 16 Municipal seats, one for each municipality in Tompkins County
9 Towns:
- Town of Caroline
- Town of Danby
- Town of Dryden
- Town of Enfield
- Town of Groton
- Town of Ithaca
- Town of Lansing
- Town of Newfield
- Town of Ulysses
6 Villages:
- Village of Cayuga Heights
- Village of Dryden
- Village of Freeville
- Village of Groton
- Village of Lansing
- Village of Trumansburg
City of Ithaca
The Tompkins County Planning and Sustainability Department provides support staff for the EMC.
2017 Committees:
- Climate Adaptation
- Environmental Review
- Executive
- Strategic Planning
- Unique Natural Areas
Liaison Positions:
- Water Resources Council (voting seat)
Did you know … Environmental Management Councils are voluntary advisory boards appointed by their county governments throughout New York? EMCs were established under Article 47 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law passed in 1970. The Tompkins County EMC was one of the first EMCs in the state, established by Resolution No. 103 of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives in 1971.