COG is recruiting residents in the metropolitan Washington region with interest, knowledge, and expertise in air, climate, and environmental justice to serve on the Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee (ACPAC). The recruitment campaign is conducted from December 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024. 

ABOUT ACPAC

ACPAC advises COG’s policy committees – the Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee (MWAQC) and the Climate, Energy and Environment Policy Committee (CEEPC) - on air quality, climate, and energy issues. ACPAC is comprised of 18 members of the public that represent diverse viewpoints on regional air quality and climate change issues. ACPAC provides a meaningful opportunity to provide input to local elected officials on air and environmental planning and policy issues, share your knowledge and expertise, learn, and stay informed of local and regional plans related to improving the region’s air quality and climate challenges. Members represent communities across the Metropolitan Washington region and have various backgrounds including business/industry, education/scientific, environmental/health and civic organizations. Read more on ACPAC’s bylaws and meeting procedures. 

ACPAC advises MWAQC on air quality planning and CEEPC on climate- and energy-related issues. MWAQC was established to conduct interstate air quality attainment and maintenance planning for the Washington, D.C. area on behalf of the District of Columbia (DC), the State of Maryland (MD) and the Commonwealth of Virginia (VA). It coordinates air quality planning activities of the environmental departments in DC, MD, and VA, resolves policy differences and develops a unified reginal air quality plan. For more information, visit MWAQC’s committee website.

CEEPC is the principal policy adviser to the COG Board on matters related to climate and energy. Its areas of responsibility include climate change, energy, the built environment, alternate fuels/alternative fuel vehicles, solid waste, and recycling policy issues. CEEPC facilitates implementation of the Metropolitan Washington 2030 Climate and Energy Action Plan and periodically advises the COG Board on the success of the Plan’s recommendations and the need for modification. For more information, visit CEEPC’s committee website.

Through ACPAC, MWAQC and CEEPC work to promote public involvement and seek independent, citizen advice on their work activities. ACPAC meets bi-monthly – January, March, May, July, September, and November. Meetings are currently held virtually, with an option to hold hybrid meetings.

TO APPLY

To apply, complete the ACPAC Interest Form by Monday, January 15, 2024. For questions, contact Leah Boggs: lboggs@mwcog.org

ACPAC RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN CALENDAR

• Monday, January 15, 2024: Deadline for ACPAC Interest Form
• Monday, January 22, 2024: Applicants attend first meeting of the year
• February 14, 2024: MWAQC Executive Committee appoints new members
• March 18, 2024: ACPAC meeting with new members