Chapter 2.54
COMMISSION ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Sections:
2.54.010 Establishment and statutory authority.
2.54.040 Organization and procedures.
2.54.010 Establishment and statutory authority.
The Commission on the Environment is established under the authority of Government Code Section 31000.1, and in compliance with SCCC 2.38.060. [Ord. 5278 § 15, 2018; Ord. 4881 § 2, 2007].
2.54.020 Membership.
The Commission shall consist of 10 members who are residents of the County. Each Supervisor shall nominate two members. Members should have experience in areas related to the Commission’s charge such as energy, environmental health, business, climate change, ecological science, education, housing development, transportation, agriculture, water, biotic resources, land use planning and underrepresented and low-income groups. [Ord. 5278 § 15, 2018; Ord. 4881 § 2, 2007].
2.54.030 Term of office.
Each member shall serve a term of four years, commencing on April 1st of the year in which the member’s nominating Supervisor begins a full term. [Ord. 4881 § 2, 2007].
2.54.040 Organization and procedures.
(A) General Organization. The Commission shall comply with SCCC 2.38.110 through 2.38.250, unless otherwise provided herein.
(B) Staff Support. As determined by the County Administrative Office, County staff shall provide staff support for the Commission. The director of the designated department, or his or her designated representative, shall serve as Administrative Secretary to the Commission. The Administrative Secretary shall receive copies of all reports and recommendations prepared by the Commission, prepare and mail the agenda, and take minutes of each meeting. [Ord. 5278 § 15, 2018; Ord. 4881 § 2, 2007].
2.54.050 Purpose.
The Commission shall:
(A) Advise the Board of Supervisors on ways to implement the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) to reduce the causes of climate change and adapt to climate change hazards that affect the County;
(B) Advise the Board of Supervisors and work with other commissions in reviewing and updating County policies to provide a comprehensive course of action to implement the CAAP in both the public and private spheres;
(C) Serve as an information clearinghouse to the Board of Supervisors and other County commissions about proposed and pending legislation, both State and Federal, regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation;
(D) Advise the Board of Supervisors on potential areas of cooperation with other public and private agencies and organizations to plan and implement effective climate action and adaptation policies in Santa Cruz County;
(E) Advise the Board of Supervisors on ways to realize climate justice and equity defined in the CAAP by addressing both environmental impacts and hazards and access to environmental benefits for all, regardless of income, gender, race, age and other characteristics; and
(F) Exercise any other responsibilities concerning environmental issues or initiatives that may be set forth in the Commission’s bylaws, or that may be directed by the Board of Supervisors. [Ord. 5457 § 1, 2024; Ord. 4881 § 2, 2007].