Erie County Environmental Management Council

The Erie County Environmental Management Council (EMC) is an advisory board to the Erie County Department of Environment & Planning The Erie County Environmental Management Council strives to effect environmental improvement within the inter-governmental system. EMC projects often take the form of studies that provide recommended courses of action of decision makers. Some of the highlighted accomplishments of the EMC include: Provide a resource for both the County of Erie, New York Executive and the Erie County Legislature in their understanding and resolution of environmental issues which affect the residents of Erie County Assisting the Western New York Stormwater Coalition in reaching out to inform and involve the public in assisting their municipalities in protecting and improving water quality in our waterbodies Developing brochures and other educational materials to encourage citizen's and governmental agencies to eliminate or reduce the use of chemical pesticides in caring for their lawns and gardens Helped co-sponsor, develop, and implement plans for public education efforts surrounding the 30th anniversary of Earth Day. Played a principal role in the phosphate detergents ban legislation (1974 - 1975) Lobbied for returnable container and deposit legislation Developed and delivered a training program for local elected officials, code enforcement officers and municipal planners to help them better use the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) to mitigate and avoid environmental impacts in their communities.