Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission (EPIC)

Establishment

Established in July 2024
Previously known as Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC)

The Environmental Policy and Innovation Commission (EPIC) is a newly established Commerce City commission created to strengthen the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility, innovation, and sustainable economic development. Formally adopted through Ordinance No. 2676, EPIC builds upon the work of the former Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC) and serves as an official advisory body to City Council. EPIC was established to bring structure, transparency, and expertise to environmental efforts in Commerce City, ensuring that policies promote public health, protect our natural resources, and support a more sustainable future.

Mission

Advise City Council on environmental policy and innovation.
Identify and recommend strategies to reduce the negative effects of industrial activity on residents.
Promote sustainable, non-toxic practices among local businesses.
Explore emerging technologies and environmental solutions.
Engage and educate the community on key environmental issues.
Support environmental justice, resilience, and long-term well-being for all residents.

Members

Commission members are appointed by the City Council and serve three-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members of the previous EPAC have transitioned into EPIC and will serve out their terms under the new structure.

11 regular voting members
2 alternate members
2 City Council members

Meetings

Meeting information will be determined once the committee is seated.

Agendas & Minutes

For updated meeting schedules and agendas, visit commerce.legistar.com.

Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC)

Disclaimer: Below are details that were only relevant to EPAC, which no longer exists.

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Establishment

The Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC) was established by Resolution 2021-38 on June 7, 2021. This committee will provide recommendations to staff, Planning Commission, and City Council on ways to improve environmental quality outcomes in an equitable manner across the community. The city is currently involved a yearlong process to identify policies, strategies, and regulations that can improve overall environmental quality in Commerce City. For more detailed information on this process, visit the Environmental Policy Development page.

Mission

The EPAC will help the city create environmental policy centered around the needs of populations and areas in the city that are most directly affected by negative environmental impacts, and ensure that environmental improvements occur equitably. The committee can help ensure that those most directly affected by potential policy outcomes are an integral force in leading policy design and seek meaningful forms of accountability in the decision making process. Areas of focus may include:

Energy efficiency and reduction of energy use
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction across the community
Water use and quality
Air quality
Land use policy
Health equity
Sustainability
Brownfield remediation

The committee will also advise City Council and staff on strategies to engage with the community on environmental issues, help facilitate conversation in the community, and analyze data and draft policies.

Vacancies

3 regular member seats and 1 alternate seat are currently vacant.

Members

The committee will be comprised of 11 members and three alternates. The committee will consist of representatives from existing Commerce City Boards and Commissions, residents, community advocates, nonprofit and community organizations, and businesses. To ensure the stated mission of the group is met, there would be a focus on greater representation from residents within the core city, as well as efforts to ensure the group as a whole represents a diverse range of demographics within the city.