Environmental Quality Affairs Committee (EQAC)

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Purpose

Composed of citizens, the Environmental Quality Affairs Committee [EQAC] has grown from its origins in 1987 when its focus was anti-litter campaigns, recycling, and beatification. In 1998, its membership was expanded to allow for more inclusion of residents’ opinions.

Today, the EQAC is an active advisory committee, providing information to the City Council. Its members review Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) on projects being reviewed by the City or other agencies that may impact Newport Beach. EQAC (often abbreviated verbally as “e-quack”) has over the past few years reviewed EIRs for the Cannery Lofts project, the Coastal Land Use Plan, the Marinapark Resort and Community Plan, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, St. Mark Presbyterian Church, Pelican Hill Resort, and various projects in the Irvine Business Complex that could impact Newport Beach.

The committee also receives presentations from City staff as requested, as well as from various volunteer organizations, e.g. Surfrider Foundation, and consultants with expertise in current issues.

MEMBERSHIP

The City Council appoints fourteen members representing Council districts. Seven members, three with expertise in CEQA or other environmental issues and four who are active in homeowners associations, are nominated by EQAC and appointed by the City Council. The Mayor appoints the chairman on an annual basis. Two members of the City Council, currently Tony Petros (District 2) and Nancy Gardner (District 6-Corona del Mar), attend meetings. Patrick Alford Planning Manager, Planning Division, is the staff liaison member.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED and MEETING TIME

If you are interested in an appointment to EQAC, contact the City Clerk’s office 949-644-3005 and request an application or go to the following link for online application [PDF]. Once submitted, an application is kept on file for two years and used by the City Council as openings occur.

EQAC shall meet as directed by the City Council solely to address a specific issue assigned to it by the City Council. The public is welcome. To confirm dates and location, please check our web calendar or contact the Community Development Department at (949) 644-3200.

Agendas and Minutes

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