Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee highlights | Tuesday, July 15, 2025

The City of Columbia’s Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee convened with City leadership and staff to discuss priorities and strategies that advance environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community well-being.

The meeting featured an update on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG). Representatives from the Central Midlands Council of Governments  (COG)  presented details on an $8.7 million award allocated to the COG in partnership with local municipalities. The City of Columbia will directly benefit through two major projects: the Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project and reflective/cool pavement initiatives.

Key benefits of the Columbia Metro Wastewater Treatment Plant Solar Project include:

• Economic: Long-term energy cost savings at a high-usage municipal site.
• Community: 15% of the project’s energy savings will support local initiatives such as a water utility assistance fund.
• Health: Reduction in air pollution.
• Land Use: Space under the solar array will be utilized for native plant and pollinator habitat restoration.

Key benefits of reflective/cool pavement initiatives include:

• Heat Reduction: Lower surface temperatures by reflecting more sunlight and absorbing less heat than traditional asphalt.
• Public Health: Mitigates the urban heat island effect, reducing heat-related illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.
• Infrastructure Longevity: Helps extend the life of pavement and surrounding infrastructure by reducing thermal stress.
• Energy Savings: Can reduce cooling demands in nearby buildings by decreasing ambient temperatures.

City of Columbia Forestry & Beautification staff also provided a recap of the Beat the Heat Grant, a collaborative initiative between the City of Columbia and Columbia Green. Although the federal grant was canceled in February 2025, the City successfully utilized $43,100 in awarded funds to deliver 990 trees in just six months, which was nearly two-thirds of the program’s five-year goal. The program also received additional support from International Paper ($25,000) and $61,200 in private donations.

More than 1,000 residents requested trees during three community outreach events, where they learned about the program, how trees can alleviate urban heat and the many other benefits trees bring to communities. The City is actively pursuing opportunities to continue this effort in collaboration with Columbia Green and other community partners.

To conclude the meeting, the City of Columbia’s Climate-Protection Action Campaign gave a presentation in regards to the City’s application to become a Bee City USA affiliate. This designation would formalize the City’s commitment to protecting pollinators, enhancing biodiversity, and advancing climate resilience through sustainable land management and community engagement.

Goals of the Bee City USA program include:

• Expanding pollinator-friendly plantings on City properties
• Promoting safe pest management practices
• Raising awareness around pollinator conservation
• Integrating pollinator-conscious policies into land management

These initiatives reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to environmental equity, public health, and quality of life through forward-thinking local leadership.

– About the Health, Social and Environmental Affairs Committee –
This committee reviews matters related to quality of life issues including homelessness, community partnerships, beautification, environmental and sustainability initiatives, and other related topics.

The committee is chaired by Councilwoman Dr. Aditi Bussells (At-Large); other committee members include Councilman Tyler D. Bailey (At-Large) and Councilman Edward H. McDowell, Jr. (District II).