(a) The Commission will advise the Mayor and the City Council on issues related, directly or indirectly, to the following: climate emergency; toxic pollution; biodiversity; related environmental justice and health concerns, including job creation and a just transition for jobs related to the fossil fuel industry, a citywide mobilization to address the impacts of these issues upon the communities of the City and the global community. The Commission will also advise on the following: (i) integrating environmental justice considerations into City programs, policies, and activities to improve and mitigate negative environmental or public health impacts in communities and stakeholders disproportionately burdened by environmental harms and risks; (ii) addressing environmental justice by ensuring equitable and meaningful involvement in the City’s decision- making, building capacity in disproportionately burdened communities, and promoting collaborative problem-solving; (iii) strengthening partnerships between the City, communities, and organizations to address environmental justice and climate emergency issues; and (iv) increasing and enhancing research and assessment approaches related to these issues.
(b) Consistent with City Charter Section 502(a), the Commission will not be advisory to or manage the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office established to operate within the Department of Public Works under the Board of Public Works’ authority.
(c) The Commission will provide reports and recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council, which may include recommendations related to the following: climate emergency; resilience response efforts; integrating environmental justice and environmental equity metrics, such as in the reduction of greenhouse gas and toxic pollution emissions; preparing strategic implementation plans and timelines; emergency and non-emergency climate mitigation; resilience and adaptation programs; and, public education and outreach through community assemblies.
(d) The Commission will have the power to adopt administrative rules and procedures for the Commission to implement the provisions of this chapter, including establishing guiding principles, setting regular meetings, releasing agendas, and developing procedures.
SECTION HISTORY
Article and Section Added by Ord. No. 187,126, Eff. 8-8-21.