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Sustainability Up-to-the-Minute

The Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) is a volunteer, advisory group established by the City of Columbia to identify ways the City can reduce greenhouse gases.

CPAC’s Mission
To develop and advocate for effective strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate change, conserve natural resources, and otherwise protect the environment at a City level, while also fostering an improved quality of life for the citizens of the City of Columbia.

CPAC’s Purpose
To recommend and oversee the development and implementation of mission-based programs and projects within the City of Columbia.

Ready for 100 Resolution

In 2023, City Council adopted a resolution supported by CPAC to incorporate energy efficiency measures and power all City of Columbia municipal and city-owned and operated investments and infrastructures with the generation of an additional 75 MW of energy from non-combustion-based renewable sources by 2036.

Current Appointees

Appointed by City Council, these members serve Council in an advisory role and help vet information as requested. Appointees meet bi-monthly and lead CPAC. Officially, appointees meet on the first Friday of every month at 9 a.m. in a hybrid format, with some attending in person at the City’s Public Works Facility, 2910 Colonial Drive, and others joining via Zoom. * The third Friday of each month is reserved as a virtual working meeting, which begins at 9  a.m.

  • Cameran Cohran, Optus Bank (Chair)
  • Dennis Wiehl, Retired Architect (Vice Chair)
  • Joyce Rose-Harris, SC Association of Community Action Partnerships (Secretary)
  • Bob Petrulis, EPRE Consulting
  • Josey Cline, McAngus, Goudlock & Courie
  • Benjamin Marosites, Richland County
  • Caroline Nagel, University of South Carolina
  • Julie Seel, WestPoint Home
  • Dave Voyles, oneworld Alliance

Appointee meeting schedule:

    1. Official Meeting: First Friday of every month at 9 a.m.
    2. Reserved for Working Meeting, As Needed: Third Friday of every month at 9 a.m.

* In the interest of public health and as authorized by City Council Ordinance 2020-032, the City of Columbia Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) will at this time conduct virtual meetings using video conferencing technology.  Accordingly, members of the public and/or media who wish to observe the meetings may do so remotely by requesting a meeting link from the City of Columbia Sustainability Coordinator Mary Pat Baldauf. Members of CPAC will have the ability to remotely participate in voting and operational procedures via telephone or other means of electronic communication. The public may submit letters and statements via email to [email protected] leading up to the meeting or the day of, as that account will be monitored during the meetings. This is a fluid situation, so continue to monitor https://columbiasc.gov/cpac/about for additional information. You may also contact Mary Pat Baldauf for details.

 

Appointee Minutes

 

CPAC History

  • The City of Columbia organized the Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) in 2006 shortly after signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, an initiative to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions through leadership and action.
  • The committee’s initial focus was internal to City government but quickly expanded to include community outreach and education programs for businesses, residents and congregations.

CURRENT_Action Plan

  • CPAC is guided by a Climate Action Plan, which staff and community leaders created in 2006. It is updated on an ongoing basis. Even today, the plan guides and continues to influence the work of CPAC.
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