Committee on Environmental Issues

Charge/Objective

The purpose of the AVMA's Committee on Environmental Issues (CEI) is to advise the AVMA on environmental issues that may impact animal health, public health, ecosystem health, and the veterinary profession. Specific objectives include:

  • Identify, encourage, and support science-based practical solutions to environmental challenges that affect the veterinary profession.
  • Identify specific areas in which the AVMA needs to call upon its resources, influence, and alliances to cause needed actions relating to environmental issues which impact animal health or the veterinary profession. Such actions might include (but not be limited to) efforts targeting research, public relations, education, legislation, regulations, public policy, and AVMA policy.
  • Provide information and resources, including identifying veterinarians and other professionals with needed expertise for program presentations and other forums, for the membership to enhance informed decisions about environmental issues in members’ practices and communities.
  • Raise awareness of environmental issues throughout veterinary medical careers/disciplines.
  • Collaborate when warranted with outside experts, allied groups, agencies, and other entities in addressing established and emerging environmental issues that affect human, domestic animal, wildlife, and ecosystem health.

Membership, method of appointment, and representation

The committee shall consist of 11 members who represent each of the following areas: small animal medicine; avian medicine; bovine practice; swine practice; small ruminant practice; zoo and wildlife medicine; aquatic medicine; veterinary toxicology; veterinary ecology; AVMA Council on Public Health (COPH); and government service-representing federal or state agency dealing with environmental issues. The representative from the COPH will be appointed by the COPH.

With the exception of the COPH representative, appointments will be made by the Board of Directors. Individuals may serve for a maximum of two, three-year terms.

Chair

The committee will select a chair from among its members.

Meetings

The committee will hold one meeting, of up to two days, per year at AVMA headquarters and is authorized to conduct official business electronically and by telephone throughout the year.

Funding

The AVMA will reimburse committee members for expenses associated with attendance at authorized meetings.

Reports

The committee will advise and report to the AVMA Board of Directors.

Life expectancy

The committee will be reviewed in compliance with AVMA governance policies.