Welcome to the NYSAEMC

 

The NYSAEMC

Environmental Management Councils (EMC's) are voluntary advisory boards appointed by their county governments throughout New York.
Their mission is two-fold:
(1) to advise county governments and
(2) to provide a liaison between the community and county government.

EMCs were established under Article 47 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law passed in 1970.

What do EMC's do?

EMC's strive to affect environmental improvement within the system.  EMC projects often take the form of studies that provide recommended courses of action for decision-makers.  Topics include: recycling, solid waste management, household hazardous waste, water quality, environmental review, hazardous waste management and natural resource management.  EMC programs vary around the state - reflecting the diversity of the communities they serve.  Concern for the environment is the common thread.

Who are the EMC's?

Council members may include business people and other professionals, farmers, skilled and unskilled workers, students, teachers, senior citizens and the interested public, as well as representatives from municipal Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC's).  Ex-officio members can include county legislators and agency personnel (e.g. Cooperative Extension, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Public Works).  Most EMCs have professional staff to provide technical and administrative assistance.  An alphabetized listing of county EMCs is provided at NYSAEMC Directory.

New York State Association of Environmental Management Councils (NYSAEMC)

What is NYSAEMC?

The New York State Association of Environmental Management Councils (NYSAEMC) is an organization open to all county and regional Environmental Management Councils.  The goals of the NYSAEMC are:

      To advocate sound environmental management in New York State;
      To assist and enhance the work of county EMC's;
      To coordinate information and present opportunities for EMC's to learn from each other;
      To promote the formation of new councils;
      To network with federal, state, and local governments and agencies, such as the NYS Association of Conservation Commissions and the NYS Association of Counties.

How is the NYSAEMC organized?

NYSAEMC is governed by five Board of Directors. The Board conducts the affairs of the Association and promotes the goals of NYSAEMC.  The Board is elected by a majority vote cast at annual meeting held in conjunction with the annual Conference in October.