Commission, Committees and Task Forces

Commission on the Environment

The Commission on the Environment sets policy for the Environment Department and advises the mayor and Board of Supervisors on environmental matters. Appointed by the mayor, the seven-member commission develops policies and programs in recycling, toxics reduction, environmental justice, energy efficiency, commute alternatives, climate change, and the city's urban forest. The Environment Commission has a Policy Committee and an Operations Committee.

The Policy Committee oversees long-term planning and policy development for the department, including the assessment of environmental conditions and the development, updating, and review of plans for the long-term environmental sustainability of the city. The committee focuses on achieving the city's zero waste goals and explores the issues of water conservation and toxics reduction. It also works with the Operations Committee and the Department Director on the restructuring of environmental programs and activities among city agencies and departments.

The Operations Committee is responsible for the budget, financial planning, and operations of the Environment Department. The committee also oversees public education and community outreach on environmental issues.

Urban Forestry Council

The Urban Forestry Council advises city departments, the Board of Supervisors, and the mayor. Its tasks are to develop a comprehensive urban forest plan; educate the public; develop tree-care standards; identify funding needs, staffing needs, and opportunities for urban forest programs; secure adequate resources for urban forest programs; facilitate coordination of tree-management responsibilities among agencies; and report on the state of the urban forest.

Task Forces, Working Groups and Initiatives

The Municipal Green Building Task Force provides communication among city departments on green building issues and policy development, supports the integration of green building practices into city departments, and plays a key role in implementing Chapter 7 of the Environmental Code. The task force consists of a representative from each of the city departments list below and one member of the public.

In addition, several San Francisco Environment Department advisory bodies are no longer active. Information about historical task forces, working groups, and initiatives is available below:

• Biodiesel Access Task Force
• Energy Efficiency Coordinating Committee
• Peak Oil Preparedness Task Force
• Urban Environmental Accords