Equity Advisory Committee

What role does the Equity Advisory Committee play?

The Equity Advisory Committee is a key partner for the Climate Protection Program's Community Climate Investments program. The committee will play an important role in determining what types of emission reduction projects are supported by community climate investments and where the projects are located.

The committee will provide recommendations to DEQ on the approval of applications from non-profit organizations to become community climate investment entities. Once those organizations have completed a written agreement with DEQ and can accept any community climate investments, the committee will review their proposed plans for the distribution of funds for projects in Oregon's communities. The committee will also review and provide recommendations on other submittals, such as annual reports.

DEQ will make final decisions on the approval of community climate investment entities, any workplans and other submittals, but those actions will be informed by the recommendations of the committee.

• View upcoming activities related to Community Climate Investments and the Equity Advisory Committee (these are draft dates).

Who is on the Equity Advisory Committee?

2022-2023 Committee Member Biographies

The current committee is comprised of individuals and/or organizations who submitted interest and were selected from across the state. DEQ prioritizes building a committee with representatives from multiple regions with lived experience, expertise, or interest in the following areas:

• Environmental or economic justice
  
• Climate change impacts and experience
• Air pollution and/or health and community impacts
• Clean, renewable energy, or energy efficiency
  
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from fossil fuels
• Community engagement, advocacy, or outreach

There are no specific requirements or minimum qualifications to contribute as a member of the committee. However, the individual and/or organization must be committed to:

• Addressing climate change and its impacts
• Improving access to cleaner, renewable fuels in Oregon
• Reducing pollution and improving health for all communities
• Uplifting traditionally underrepresented communities

Committee members may include, for example, representatives from community-based organizations or associations, tribes or tribal associations, environmental justice advocates, committed individuals, environmental advocates, academic researchers, or those who work in climate and energy fields.