OFFICE OF COOPERATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
2008 ANNUAL REVIEW & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT
cs
Public Involvement for A Better Environment
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR
Rafael DeLeon, Director
Office of Cooperative Environmental Management
(OCEM)
Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA) of 1972, the U.S. Environmental Pro-
tection Agency (EPA) establishes advisory commit-
tees to: (1) ensure public access and citizen involve-
ment, (2) solicit stakeholder input and expert opin-
ions, and (3) receive recommendations on how best
to develop and implement our environmental poli-
cies and programs. The advisory committee process
has proven to be an effective tool for building con-
sensus among the Agency's diverse customers and
stakeholders.
Since 1998, the Office of Cooperative Environ-
mental Management (OCEM) has served as the na-
tional program manager of the Federal Advisory
Committee program for the EPA. This includes
policy and oversight responsibility as well as ensur-
ing that EPA's advisory committees are compliant
with FACA legislation. OCEM serves several im-
portant functions. For example, first we form com-
mittees to provide advice to the different offices
within EPA. Second, we ensure that the process is
open to the public and that the committees reflect
diverse points of view. This increases public par-
ticipation in the work of the Agency, improves the
decision-making process of EPA, and increases the
trust citizens have in their government.
At EPA, there are approximately 50 advisory com-
mittees and subcommittees spread throughout HQ's
program offices and regions. The work of the com-
mittees is important to EPA and the committees are
available to every program office and region.
This document is intended for all EPA employees
that would like more information about the advisory
committee process at EPA, and how OCEM can be
your partner in the FAC process. It will also dem-
onstrate the importance of committees' transparency
and diverse advice to the Agency.
For further information on the Agency's advisory
committees, please contact Tim Sherer at (202) 564-
6486. For further information on OCEM, please
contact Cynthia Jones-Jackson on 564-2321 or visit
our website at www.epa.gov/ocem.
OCEM GOALS FOR 2009
* Reduce the cost of operating committees
* Increase public participation
* Increase member diversity on committees
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BACKGROUND AND VISION 1
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT (FACA) 3
EPA SFACA REPORTING TIERS 5
EPA S FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES 7
OCEM-MANAGED FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
GOOD NEIGHBOR ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD (GNEB) 12
NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (NAC) 14
GOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (GAC) 16
NATIONAL ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
POLICY AND TECHNOLOGY (NACEPT) 18
FARM, RANCH, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE 20
OCEM'S STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2008
COMMITTEE POLICY AND OVERSIGHT 22
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS 24
PLANNING, TECHNOLOGY, AND OUTREACH 29
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 31
CONTACT INFORMATION 33
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The Office of Cooperative Environmental Manage-
ment (OCEM) was created by the Administrator as a
staff office in July, 1988. OCEM serves as the
national program manager of the Committee
Management Program for EPA. We provide over-
sight, policy, and training for all of EPA's federal
advisory committees managed in other parts of the
Agency. OCEM manages five federal advisory
committees and one subcommittee. These commit-
tees provide the President, Congress, the Adminis-
trator and other top EPA decision-makers with
broad stakeholder advice during the development
HOW OCEM CAN HELP YOU
OCEM provides a full array of FACA-related
services to all EPA program offices and re-
gions. These include:
* Guidance on establishing committees and
managing them properly
* Training and assistance for Designated
Federal Officer's (DFO) across the Agency
* Advice on whether FACA requirements
apply to any given situation
* Assistance with having an existing com-
mittee examine your specific issues
* Research on any FACA issue
* Support on reporting your FACA's
activities to GSA
and implementation of national and international
environmental policy. This advice is often used by
other federal departments and agencies as well, es-
pecially those which have employees that serve as
active members on a committee. These committees
also provide a key benefit to EPA and the citizens of
our country by providing a vehicle for an open and
on-going exchange of information.
OCEM HAS PRIORITIZED ITS GOALS AS
FOLLOWS:
* Explain the benefits of federal advisory commit-
tees and the services OCEM can provide so pro-
gram offices can take advantage of this impor-
tant tool. OCEM will become a "one-stop-shop"
for information and guidance on EPA's federal
advisory committees.
* Manage its federal advisory committees to en-
sure efficiency, effectiveness, innovation, and
significant contributions to the conduct of the
nation's environmental programs and policies.
* Provide increased outreach and assistance to the
Agency's Designated Federal Officers (DFOs)
and program offices and enhance our relation-
ships with our DFO customers.
* Provide guidance and training to Agency per-
sonnel on FACA laws, regulations, best prac-
tices, and procedures.
* Measure the outcome and effectiveness of
EPA's federal advisory committees.
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OCEM has three business operation teams:
Committee Policy and Oversight (CPO)
Committee Management Operations (CMO)
Planning, Technology, & Outreach (PTO)
Rafael DeLeon, Director
Committee Policy &
Oversight (CPO) Staff
Timothy Sherer
Associate Director
Training & Development
Membership Process
Technical Assistance
Best Practices
Charter Process
FACA Policy and Guidance
FACA Consultations
FACA Oversight
DFO Network
Performance Measures
FACA Research
Assistance of GSA reporting
requirements
Committee Management
Operations (CMO) Staff
Mark Joyce
Associate Director
Good Neighbor
Environmental Board
(GNEB)
National Advisory Committee
(NAC)
Governmental Advisory
Committee
(GAC)
National Advisory Council for
Environmental Policy
and Technology
(NACEPT)
Environmental Technology
Subcommittee
Farm, Ranch, & Rural
Communities Committee
(FRRCC)
Planning. Technology &
Outreach (PTO) Staff
Cynthia Jones-Jackson
Associate Director
OCEM Strategic
Planning Initiatives
OCEM Administrative Services
Communications and Outreach
OCEM Program Evaluation
Information and Technology
Management
Records Management
Customer Service
Meeting Support
OCEM Resources
Budget
Contracts and Grants
Human Capital
Public Involvement for A Better Environment
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF FACA
By enacting the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA) of 1972 (Public Law 92-463) the U.S. Con-
gress formally recognized the merits of seeking the
advice and assistance of our nation's citizens. At the
same time, Congress also sought to ensure that advi-
sory committees would provide advice that is
prompt, relevant, objective, and open to public par-
ticipation, while complying with reasonable cost
controls and record keeping requirements. Federal
Advisory Committees strengthen the collaborative
process and improve EPA decisions because:
* Advice is developed by committee members
who are experts or informed representatives
of various stakeholders
* Members of the public are encouraged to
provide their input to the committees for
consideration
* Advice is developed by a committee that is
diverse and balanced in its members' points
of view.
* Committees reflect independent thinking,
without being unduly influenced by appoint-
ing authorities or special interest groups
* The Federal Advisory Committee program is
a cost-effective method of reinforcing the
Agency's credibility with the public
A Federal Advisory Committee is defined as a com-
mittee, board, task force, or other similar group that
is: (1) established by statute, or established or util-
ized by the President or the Agency for the purpose
of obtaining advice or recommendations for the
President or the Agency, (2) composed of at least
one member who is not a federal employee, and (3)
provides advice to the President or the Agency. By
definition, a federal advisory committee can only
provide advice and recommendations. Committees
cannot make or implement decisions. There are two
types of advisory committees: non-discretionary
and discretionary. Non-discretionary advisory com-
mittees are specifically required by statute or man-
dated by the President. Discretionary advi-
sory committees are established at the discre-
tion of the head of a federal agency.
COMPLYING WITH FACA
Generally, any committee should follow FACA if it
is: (1) used or established by EPA, (2) used to obtain
group advice, and (3) has at least one member who
is not a federal employee. However, there are
exceptions.
FACA APPLICABILITY
Below are the major questions to consider in deter-
mining if FACA applies:
* Will the group provide collective advice to EPA?
* Will the group include any non-Federal
employees?
* Are all of the non-Federal members elected State,
Tribal or local government officials or their
employees?
* Will the group discuss only issues for which all
attending governments have some responsibility
as co-regulators?
* Was the group formed (established) by EPA?
* Does EPA actually manage or control the group
through actions such as selecting the members,
setting the agenda or providing direct funding?
ROLE OF FEDERAL
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
With expertise from advisory committee members,
federal officials and the public have access to infor-
mation and advice on a broad range of issues, fed-
eral policies, and programs. The public is afforded
an opportunity to participate actively in the federal
government's decision-making process. Under
FACA § 10, "interested persons shall be permitted
to attend, appear before, or file statements with any
advisory committee, subject to reasonable rules or
regulations. . . " and "the records, reports, tran-
scripts, minutes, appendixes, working papers, drafts,
studies, agenda, or other documents which were
made available to or prepared by or for each advi-
sory committee shall be available for public inspec-
tion and copying" (5 U.S.C. App. 2).
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There are several aspects of Federal Advisory
Committees that ensure openness of the process to
the public, including:
* Requirement that meetings are open to the
public
* Compliance with the Americans with Disabili-
ties Act
* Requirement of both oral and written public
comment periods
* Meetings must be announced 15 days in ad-
vance in the Federal Register
* Minutes are required and publicly available
ESTABLISHING A FEDERAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (CHARTER PROCESS)
FACA establishes a system that governs the creation
and operation of advisory committees in the Execu-
tive Branch of the federal government. FACA en-
sures that: (1) valid needs exist for establishing and
continuing advisory committees, (2) committee pro-
ceedings are generally as open to the public as is fea-
sible, and (3) Congress is regularly provided with
certain information about advisory committees and
their activities. FACA § 9 requires EPA to file a
charter with Congress and the Library of Congress to
establish a committee. Assistant Administrators, Re-
gional Administrators, and heads of staff offices re-
porting to the Administrator within their functional
areas of responsibility may initiate the establishment
process. Requests to establish a committee must be
sent through EPA's Committee Management Officer
(CMO) to the Deputy Administrator.
The CMO provides guidance and consultation on the
establishment process and reviews the documents
contained in the establishment package. Once the
establishment documents are completed, the CMO is
responsible for consulting with the GSA Committee
Management Secretariat, overseeing the approval
process, and ensuring that documents are filed with
GSA, the Library of Congress, and Congress, as ap-
propriate.
Consultation with the CMO should begin early as
the CMO provides guidance throughout the entire
establishment process. Consultations should specifi-
cally include:
* Planning the budget
* Selecting committee members
* Staffing the committee
* Selecting a Designated Federal Officer (DFO)
* Discussing and developing measures
* Drafting a charter
FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBILITY
Since 1977, the U.S. General Services Administra-
tion (GSA) has had overall responsibility for over-
seeing the implementation of FACA across all fed-
eral departments and agencies. Each federal agency
that establishes or utilizes advisory committees must
adhere to both FACA requirements and administra-
tive guidelines provided by GSA's Committee Man-
agement Secretariat.
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS
FACA § 10 provides that "there shall be designated
an officer or employee of the federal government to
chair or attend each meeting of each advisory
committee" (5 U.S.C. App 2). EPA calls this person
the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). FACA
further provides that no advisory committee shall
conduct any meetings in the absence of that officer or
employee. The GSA Final Rule § 102-3.120 states
that the DFO "must be a full-time or permanent part-
time federal employee" (41 C.F.R. Part 102-3). The
DFO calls the meetings to order, approves the agenda
and adjourns meetings when it is in the interest of the
public to do so.
The DFO also serves as staff to the committee,
preparing materials, arranging meetings and ensuring
that the committee follows all FACA requirements
and operates consistently with applicable EPA pol-
icy. The DFO is generally appointed by the Assis-
tant Administrator or Regional Administrator.
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FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT (FACA)
GSA ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE
REPORTING
GSA has designed and maintains a government-
wide shared internet-based system to facilitate col-
lection and use of information required by FACA.
Each DFO provides EPA with this information
through data filed electronically with GSA on a fis-
cal year basis. This database is available to the
public at www.fido.gov/facadatabase.
In 2008, EPA had 27 chartered FACA committees
advising more than half of our program offices.
EPA's FACA REPORTING TIERS
Number of Committees
D OPPTS
• OAR
D AO/SAB
DOECA
• AO/OCHP
D AO/OCEM
• AO/OCIR
DORD
• OCFO
DOW
EPA'S 2008 FACA FACTS
* EPA had 27 Tier 1 Charted FACA
Committees in FY 2008
* EPA had 33 Tier 2 FACA
Subcommittees in FY 2008
* EPA had 59 Designated Federal
Officers in FY 2008
* EPA Tier 1 Committees produced 71
Reports in FY 2008
* EPA had 687 FACA Committee
Members in FY 2008
* EPA spent $14.5 million on FACA
Activities in FY 2008
* EPA held 190 Open FACA
Committee Meetings in FY 2008
* 99 percent of EPA's FACA Commit-
tee meetings were open to the public
versus only 33 government-wide
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FEDERAL
ADVISORY
COMMITTEES
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TIER 1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS WITH PROGRAM OFFICE,
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS, AND TIER 2 SUBCOMMITTEES
Adaptation for Climate Sensitive Ecosystems and Resources Advisory Committee (ACSERAC)
Office of Research and Development/The National Center for Environmental Assessment (ORD/NCEA)
Joanna Foellmer 707-347-8508
Supports the U.S. Climate Change Science Program by providing a peer review of the first external draft re-
port entitled: Preliminary Review of Adaptation Options for Climate Sensitive Ecosystems and Resources.
Advisory Council on Clean Air Compliance Analysis (ACCACA or Council)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Science Advisory Board (AO/SAB)
Holly Stallworth 202-343-9867
Provides independent advice on technical and economic aspects of analyses and reports, which EPA prepares
concerning the impacts of the Clean Air Act on the public health, economy, and the environment of the
United States.
Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Children's Health Protection (AO/OCHPEE)
Carolyn Hubbard 202-564-2189
Advises, consults with and makes recommendations to EPA on issues associated with the development of
regulations to address prevention of adverse health effects to children. The Committee also carries out related
functions such as collecting information and data to inform Agency decisions and serves to improve the
breadth and depth of analyses related to the rules.
Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC)
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
James (Pat) Childers 202-564-1082
Provides independent advice and counsel on the development of policy and programs necessary to implement
and enforce the requirements of Clean Air Act amendments enacted in 1990. The Advisory Committee is
consulted on economic, environmental, technical, scientific, and enforcement policy issues.
Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Science Advisory Board (AO/SAB)
Holly Stallworth 202-343-9867
Provides independent advice on the scientific and technical aspects of issues related to the criteria for air
quality standards, research related to air quality, source of air pollution, and the strategies to attain and main-
tain air quality standards and to prevent significant deterioration of air quality.
Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee (CESLAC)
Office of Air and Radiation (OAR)
John (Jack) Fitzgerald 202-343-9336
Provides advice to the EPA Administrator on a study titled Coastal Elevations and Sensitivity to Sea Level
Rise, completed as part of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. Within the context of the basic study
plan, CESLAC will advise on the specific issues to be addressed, appropriate technical approaches, the na-
ture of information relevant to decision-makers, the content of the final report, compliance with the Informa-
tion Quality Act, and other matters important to the successful achievement of the objectives of the study.
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TIER 1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS WITH PROGRAM OFFICE,
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS, AND TIER 2 SUBCOMMITTEES
Environmental Financial Advisory Board (EFAB)
Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
Stan Meiburg 404-562-8357
Provides advice and recommendations to EPA on (1) lowering costs by proposing ways of removing finan-
cial and programmatic barriers that raise the cost of environmental protection; (2) increasing public and pri-
vate investment in environmental facilities and services; (3) proposing ways to improve the efficiency of in-
vestments; and (4) building the state and local financial capacity necessary to carry out environmental man-
dates.
Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board (ELAB)
Office of Research and Development (ORD)
Lara Autry 919-541-5544
Provides advice and counsel to EPA and other federal agencies, as appropriate, concerning the systems and
standards of accreditation for laboratories that provide services to governmental and private sector organiza-
tions, in support of activities related and in compliance with federal and state environmental statutes and
regulations.
EPA Board of Scientific Counselors (EPA BOSC)
Office of Research and Development (ORD)
Acting DFO Heather Drumm 202-564-8239
The mission of the BOSC is to evaluate science and engineering research, programs and plans, laboratories,
and research-management practices of ORD and recommend actions to improve their quality and/or
strengthen their relevance to EPA's mission; evaluate and provide advice concerning the utilization of peer
review within ORD to sustain and enhance the quality of science in EPA; review ORD's program develop-
ment and progress, ORD's research planning process, and research program balance, including implementa-
tion of the ORD Strategic Plan; provide peer review including evaluation of ORD's peer review policies, and
reviewing ORD Offices, National Laboratories and Centers, and research plans and products; and provide
advice on human resources planning, such as scientist career development and rotational assignment pro-
grams, and the appropriate scope and design of training programs for environmental research professionals.
EPA Science Advisory Board (EPA SAB)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Science Advisory Board (AO/SAB)
Thomas (Tom) Miller 202-343-9982
Provides independent advice to the Administrator and specified Congressional Committees on the technical
aspects of the science that supports Agency positions.
EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition (CARAT)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Margie Fehrenbach 703-308-4775
CARAT provides advice to EPA and USD A to ensure smooth implementation of the Food Quality Protec-
tion Act of 1996, through development of strategic approaches for pest management planning, development
of recommendations for better utilization of existing programs and authorities to alleviate crop/pest manage-
ment problems, and tolerance reassessment of pesticides.
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TIER 1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS WITH PROGRAM OFFICE,
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS, AND TIER 2 SUBCOMMITTEES
Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (AO/OCEM)
Alicia Kaiser 202-564-7273 and Christopher Ashcraft 202-564-2432
The Committee advises the Administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches, and rural
communities and operates under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, (FACA).
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Steven (Steve) Knott 202-564-0103
Provides independent scientific advice on pesticides and pesticide-related issues and analyzes the impacts of
EPA's pesticide-related regulatory actions.
Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (AO/OCEM)
Acting DFO Mark Joyce 202-564-2130
Provides advice to the President and the Congress on the need for environmental and infrastructure projects
(including projects that affect agriculture, rural development, and human nutrition) within the states of the
United States contiguous to Mexico, in order to improve the quality of life of persons residing on the United
States side of the border.
Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (AO/OCEM)
Oscar Carrillo 202-564-0347
Provides advice to the United States Representative (the Administrator of EPA) to the North American Com-
mission on Environmental Cooperation on implementation and further elaboration of the North American
Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (the environmental side accord to the North American Free Trade
Agreement.)
Gulf of Mexico Program Policy Review Board (GMPPRB)
Region 4 Gulf of Mexico Program Office/Office of Water (R4/OW)
Gloria Car 228-688-2421
Assess and oversee the implementation and coordination of plans to improve and protect the water quality
and living resources of the Gulf of Mexico.
Human Impacts on Climate Change Advisory Committee (HICAAC)
Office of Research and Development/The National Center for Environmental Assessment (ORD/NCEA)
Joanna Foellmer 707-347-8508
Provides advice on a study entitled: Analysis of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare
and Human Systems in collaboration with the U.S. Climate Change Science Program.
Human Studies Review Board (HSRB)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances/Office of Research and Development (OPPTS/ORD)
Paul Lewis 202-564-8381
Provides advice, information, and recommendations on issues related to scientific and ethical aspects of hu-
man subjects' research. The main objectives are to provide advice and recommendations on: (1) research pro-
posals and protocols, (2) reports of completed research with human subjects, and (3) how to
strengthen EPA's programs for protection of human subjects of research.
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TIER 1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS WITH PROGRAM OFFICE,
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS, AND TIER 2 SUBCOMMITTEES
Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations (AO/OCIR)
Frances Eargle 202-564-3115
Advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to EPA on matters related to the implementation of fed-
eral environmental requirements by local governments.
National Advisory Committee for Acute Exposure Guideline Levels for Hazardous Substances (NAC/
AEGL)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Paul Tobin 202-564-8557
Develops and recommends airborne guideline levels for short-term exposures to hazardous substances to
EPA. The Acute Exposure Guideline Levels used by federal, state, and local agencies and the private sector
for emergency planning response and prevention activities related to the accidental release of hazardous sub-
stances.
National Advisory Committee to the United States Representative to the North American Commission
for Environmental Cooperation (NAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (AO/OCEM)
Oscar Carrillo 202-564-0347
Provides advice to the United States Representative (the Administrator of EPA) to the North American Com-
mission on Environmental Cooperation on implementation and further elaboration of the North American
Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (the environmental side accord to the North American Free Trade
Agreement.)
National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Cooperative Environmental Management (AO/OCEM)
Sonia Altieri 202-564-0243 and Megan Moreau 202-564-5320
Provides advice to the EPA administrator on a broad range of environmental policy, technology, and man-
agement issues.
National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC)
Office of Water (OW)
Veronica Blette 202-564-4094
Advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to EPA on matters related to activities, functions, and
policies of the Agency under the Safe Drinking Water Act as amended.
National Environmental Education Advisory Council (NEEAC)
Office of the Administrator/Office of Public Affairs (AO/OCHPEE)
Ginger Potter 202-564-0453
Advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to EPA on matters relating to activities, functions, and
policies of EPA under the National Environmental Education Act.
National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NE JAC)
Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA)
Victoria Robinson 202-564-6349
Advises, consults with, and makes recommendations to EPA on matters relating to environmental jus-
tice, and integrating environmental justice into EPA policies, programs, and activities.
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TIER 1 COMMITTEE DESCRIPTIONS WITH PROGRAM OFFICE,
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICERS, AND TIER 2 SUBCOMMITTEES
Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC)
Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS)
Margie Fehrenbach 703-308-4775
Provides advice and guidance to EPA on regulatory development and reform initiatives, evolving public pol-
icy and program implementation issues, and science issues associated with evaluating and reducing risks
from use of pesticides.
Charter (DOC) (3 pp, 14K)
Total Coliform Rule Distribution System Advisory Committee (TCRDSAC)
Office of Water (OW)
Acting DFO Jini Mohanty 202-564-5269
Advises and makes recommendations to EPA on revisions to the Total Coliform Rule (TCR), and its public
health impact.
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MAC
Environment and Trade Working Together '<• -' t^. *f Advisors for a Sustainable Futui
- ' Environmental Advisors Across Border;
NACEPT
Shaping the Nation's Environmental Policy
Agriculture Producing Solutions
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sfesl
"'. ' Environmental Advisors Across Borders
Now, more than ever, the fragile environment along the U.S. border with Mexico
needs stronger protection and federal policies to protect it, along with the input of
community and experts from all sectors. The Good Neighbor Environmental Board
(GNEB) was created to fulfill this critical role.
The GNEB advises the President and Congress on how the U.S. federal government can
effectively promote good neighbor practices in environmental and infrastructure projects
along the border with Mexico.
One of the greatest strengths of the Board is the diversity of its membership. Many mem-
bers live in U.S. - Mexico border states and experience the impact of current environ-
mental policies and practices in their communities. Their collective expertise spans all
levels of government, the private sector, non-profit groups, tribes, and academic institu-
tions.
Border-region members work with representatives of eight U.S. federal government agen-
cies. Agency members' understanding of federal funding processes, experience in federal
policy development, and their knowledge of their agencies' border region programs bring
an added dimension to the Board's deliberations. Included are the Departments of Agri-
culture; Commerce; Health and Human Services; Housing and Urban Development, Inte-
rior; State; Transportation; and the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, the
U.S. Commissioner of the International Boundary and Water Commission also serves on
the Board.
Information Partners
Information is the lifeblood of the Good Neighbor Environmental Board. Each board
member is connected to networks of experts on different border-region issues. These net-
works include border institutions and programs such as the Border Environmental Coop-
eration Commission, North American Development Bank, Binational Health Commission,
the Southwest Consortium for Environmental Research and Policy, and EPA's Border
2012 Program.
,m
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,*'»•
Through these networks, board members stay informed about the developments of is-
sues like maquiladora plant waste management, infrastructure in colonia communi-
ties, trade policy, transportation technology, security, emergency response, farming and
grazing practices, ecosystem health, state environmental law, and others. Maintaining
close contact with these information partners helps to ensure that the Board's recommen-
dations remain timely and incorporate strategic planning for emerging trends.
Members regularly discuss with local or regional private and public groups the environ-
mental conditions affecting the border region. The Board also maintains contact with
Mexican Governmental Officials and Mexican counterpart groups, Consejos, which ad-
vise the Mexican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Unique
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board is EPA's only Presidential advisory committee.
It is charged with analyzing environmental conditions along the U.S. southern border and
it recommends how the federal government can best apply its resources in the region. The
Board offers an independent policy perspective on complex environmental matters. It does
not carry out individual programs or projects. Past recommendations cover broad ground:
to fully include states and tribes, replicate successful infrastructure models, leverage fed-
eral resources, share information, encourage bilateral cooperation, and other timely ad-
vice.
The Board's recommendations are published annually in reports and distributed through-
out the border region to communities and policymakers throughout the nation and
Mexico. Recommendations are also published in newspapers and magazine articles across
the region and in Spanish language media in Mexico and the U.S.. As a result, the public
is more informed and the federal government receives advice on federal policies that re-
flect the concerns of border region residents on environmental practices and infrastructure
projects.
Contact
Mark Joyce, Acting Designated Federal Officer on (202) 564-2130 or at www.epa.gov/
ocem/gneb
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MAC
Environment and Trade Working Together
As environmental issues continue to be at the forefront of the North American inte-
gration process, the U.S. National Advisory Committee (NAC) provides a valuable
avenue for public input. Arising from the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA), the NAC is charged with providing advice on a broad range of environmental
and economic issues. The Committee helps shape U.S. policies that improve the environ-
ment and health conditions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The NAC is com-
posed of 12 members selected from environmental groups, business and academia. For
more information, visit the NAC site at www.epa.gov/ocem/nac.
Origin
The U.S. NAC was created in 1994 by executive order, as part of the United States Fed-
eral Implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
(NAAEC). Article 17 of the NAAEC authorizes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to each
convene a national advisory committee. Since its inception, the Committee has proven to
be a valuable asset in the development of U.S. policies on trade and environment. The
Committee produces letters of advice and reports on a periodic basis.
Accomplishments
The NAC has been instrumental in advising the U.S. government on how to organize and
lead the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The Committee contributes
to the development of the CEC's Program Plan and Budget. The NAC also assists the
U.S. in developing outcomes for the annual CEC Council meetings and serves as an inte-
gral partner in the tri-national efforts to further sustainable development in North Amer-
ica.
it for A Better En\
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In North America, 425 million people share a rich natural environment ranging from
tropical rain forests to deserts and wetlands, oceans and rivers. Since 1994, Canada,
Mexico and the United States have collaborated in protecting North America's environ-
ment through the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC).
NAAEC
The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation seeks to build bridges
among the three countries to promote environmental collaboration. The NAAEC is the
first international agreement to link environmental cooperation with trade relations and
the first to embed public engagement at the heart of its operations. The NAAEC estab-
lishes the CEC to facilitate effective cooperation on the conservation, protection, and en-
hancement of the North American environment.
CEC
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation is an international organization created
by Canada, Mexico, and the United States under the NAAEC. The CEC was established
to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environ-
mental conflicts, and to promote the effective enforcement of environmental law. The
Council reinforces the environmental provisions of NAFTA. For more information visit
the CEC website at www.cec.org.
Contact
Oscar Carrillo, Designated Federal Officer on (202) 564-0347 or at www.epa.gov/ocem/
nac
} C is i 'I *g
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L-.—,',. " Advisors for a Sustainable Future
As environmental issues continue to be at the forefront of the North American inte-
gration process, the U.S. Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) provides a
valuable avenue for the public input. Arising from the North American Free Trade Agree-
ment (NAFTA), the GAC is charged with providing advice on a broad range of environ-
mental and economic issues. The Committee helps shape U.S. policies that improve the
environment and health conditions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The GAC is
composed of 12 members selected from state, local and Tribal governments. For more in-
formation, visit the GAC site at www.epa.gov/ocem/gac.
Origin
The U.S. GAC was created in 1994 by executive order, as part of the United States Fed-
eral Implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
(NAAEC). Article 18 of the NAAEC authorizes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to each
convene a national advisory committee. Since its inception, the Committee has proven to
be a valuable asset in the development of U.S. policies on trade and environment. The
Committee produces letters of advice and reports on a periodic basis.
,s ,,. 11, -.<•
The GAC has been instrumental in advising the U.S. government on how to organize and
lead the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). The Committee contributes
to the development of the CEC's Program Plan and Budget. The GAC also assists the
U.S. in developing outcomes for the annual CEC Council meetings and serves as an inte-
gral partner in the tri-national efforts to further sustainable development in North Amer-
ica.
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In North America, 425 million people share a rich natural environment ranging from
tropical rain forests to deserts and wetlands, oceans and rivers. Since 1994, Canada,
Mexico and the United States have collaborated in protecting North America's environ-
ment through the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC).
The North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation seeks to build bridges
among the three countries to promote environmental collaboration. The NAAEC is the
first international agreement to link environmental cooperation with trade relations and
the first to embed public engagement at the heart of its operations. The NAAEC estab-
lishes the CEC to facilitate effective cooperation on the conservation, protection, and en-
hancement of the North American environment.
CEC
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation is an international organization created
by Canada, Mexico, and the United States under the NAAEC. The CEC was established
to address regional environmental concerns, help prevent potential trade and environ-
mental conflicts, and to promote the effective enforcement of environmental law. The
Council reinforces the environmental provisions of NAFTA. For more information visit
the CEC website at www.cec.org.
Contact
Oscar Carrillo, Designated Federal Officer on (202) 564-0347 or at
www.epa.gov/ocem/gac
it for A Better Em
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Shaping the Nation's Eni/ironmonial Policy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established the National Advisory Council
for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) in 1988 to provide independ-
ent advice to the EPA Administrator on a broad range of environmental policy, technol-
ogy and management issues. The Council is a balanced panel of outside advisors who rep-
resent diverse interests from academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and
state, local, and Tribal governments.
Structure
The NACEPT Council is comprised of a Chair and Vice Chair, the NACEPT Designated
Federal Officer (DFO), and committee members as identified by the Administrator or
Deputy Administrator. Council members may serve on at least one NACEPT subcommit-
tee and often serve as members of other ad hoc work groups. Subcommittees formed un-
der NACEPT auspices operate by the rules of NACEPT, and may not function or report
recommendations independently of the Council.
Value
NACEPT provides a cost-effective and flexible forum that can quickly respond to con-
tinually evolving policy challenges. The Council provides valuable advice on broad,
cross-media issues and specific priority programmatic topics. Over the years, several of
NACEPT's committees have become independent EPA advisory committees, including
the Environmental Financial Advisory Board, the Local Government Advisory Commit-
tee, and the EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition.
it for A Better En\
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Accomplishments
NACEPT has provided recommendations on a variety of issues, including environ-
mental technology, compliance assistance, human capital, Superfund, EPA's Draft
Report on the Environment, and EPA's Draft Strategic Architecture and Plan. The Coun-
cil has also played a strategic and visionary advisory role. NACEPT identified emerging
trends and issues in its 2002 report, The Environmental Future: Emerging Challenges and
Opportunities for EPA.
Since 1988, the Council has convened approximately 30 standing committees and in-
volved more than 900 stakeholder representatives. The Council has approved and pub-
lished over 50 major reports containing over 1,000 recommendations to the EPA Admin-
istrator. Many of these recommendations have directly influenced the policy and actions
of the EPA as demonstrated by the creation of new programs, such as the Technology In-
novation Office. For more information, please refer to the July 1999 report NACEPT Past
and Future: A Decade of Stakeholder Advice.
Contact:
Sonia Altieri, Designated Federal Officer on (202) 564-0243 or at
www.epa.gov/ocem/nacept
or
Megan Moreau, Junior Designated Federal Officer on (202) 564-5320 or at www.epa.gov/
ocem/nacept
it for A Better Em
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Agriculture Producing Solutions
In continuing efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community, the EPA
announced the establishment of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advi-
sory Committee (FRRCC) on October 17, 2007. The Committee was formed under the
guidelines of EPA's National Strategy for Agriculture, and will operate under the rules of
the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The Committee will advise the Administra-
tor of the EPA on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches, and rural commu-
nities.
Structure
The FRRCC will meet approximately twice annually, and each of its three workgroups will
meet approximately twice a year in addition to these committee meetings. The Committee
consists of 30 members representing: large and small farmers, ranchers, and rural commu-
nities; rural suppliers, marketers, and processors; academics and researchers who study en-
vironmental issues impacting agriculture; environmental, conservation, and citizens'
groups; and, state, local, and Tribal governments.
Value
The FRRCC will initially focus on the following three issues: (1) impacts of Agency agri-
culture-related programs, policies, and regulations regarding climate change and renewable
energy; (2) identification and development of a comprehensive environmental strategy for
managing waste from livestock operations that considers regulatory and voluntary ap-
proaches, and provides tools for producers to attain superior environmental performance;
(3) and development of a constructive approach or framework to address areas of common
interest between sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment.
FRRCC provides a cost-effective and flexible forum that can strengthen relations between
the Agency and the agricultural community in order to protect the environment and pro-
mote sustainability. The Committee will provide valuable advice on broad, cross-media
issues and programmatic topics of specific priority .
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Accomplishments
The FRRCC held its first meeting in March 2008, where it formed the Climate Change
and Renewable Energy Workgroup, the Livestock and Poultry Workgroup, and the
Emerging Issues Workgroup. It held a subsequent meeting in September 2008, where the
three workgroups met to focus on the various aspects of their aforementioned 3-tiered
charge.
As a result of the September meeting the workgroups refined their charges and built rela-
tionships with EPA program offices in order to facilitate their efforts. The workgroups
anticipate producing their first set of advice on a wide range of issues to the Agency at
their next meeting.
Contact:
Alicia N. Kaiser, Special Assistant for Agricultural Policy and Designated Federal Officer
for FRRCC, on (202) 564-7273 or at www.epa.gov/ocem/frrcc
or
Christopher Ashcraft, Junior Designated Federal Officer for FRRCC, on (202) 564-2432
or at www.epa.gov/ocem/frrcc
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"3 CPO
Committee Policy and Oversight
THE COMMITTEE POLICY AND
OVERSIGHT STAFF
The Committee Policy and Oversight (CPO) staff
provides policy, coordination, oversight, consulta-
tion, and technical assistance for the EPA-wide
committee management program in compliance with
the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The CPO
staff concluded a productive 2008:
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
OVERSIGHT VISITS
We continuously improve and operate a comprehen-
sive process to meet the requirements of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (FACA) which states,
"Each agency head shall establish uniform adminis-
trative guidelines and management controls for advi-
sory committees." The purpose of the oversight vis-
its is to improve committee compliance with laws
and regulations, thereby reducing the legal vulner-
ability of the committee and the Agency. It is the
team's goal to provide assistance in the management
of EPA's committees, and to share the best practices
of the committees with the Designated Federal Offi-
cers. We conducted 10 oversight visits in 2008.
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER (DFO)
ORIENTATION SESSIONS
As a way of introducing ourselves to our new cus-
tomers, we host all new DFOs with an orientation
session. During this session, each DFO spends ap-
proximately 30 minutes with each member of the
CPO Staff to discuss specific topics, such as an in-
troduction to FACA, the role of the CPO Staff, and
the points of contact for all of EPA's Federal Advi-
sory Committees. We discuss the process for estab-
lishment and renewal of committees and the role and
responsibilities of the DFO. We also discuss the
committee membership process, the committee man-
agement oversight visits, and the GSA Annual Com-
prehensive Review reporting requirements. The
DFO is also provided with documents and informa-
tion developed by our office on the FACA process
and their role in it. The orientations are also given
to new Special Assistants from the Office of the Ad-
ministrator. In addition, all new DFOs are
highly encouraged to attend the General Ser-
vice Administration (GSA) FACA two-day training
course.
MEMBERSHIP GUIDE
The office provides consultation and training to as-
sist the Designated Federal Officer community with
the Agency's membership requirements and poli-
cies. The original 2003 guide was rewritten. The
new draft includes new template documents that
simplify the committee member appointment proc-
ess. The guide describes how to prepare the official
submission folder necessary to appoint members to
EPA's advisory committees, provides detailed de-
scriptions of the contents that should be included,
and explains the concurrence and approval process
to obtain the Administrator's signature. The guide
incorporated the Agency's Correspondence Manage-
ment System.
COMMITTEE CHARTERS
Approximately five months prior to the expiration
of each committee charter, the CPO staff initiates a
charter renewal process which culminates with
forwarding the renewed charter, signed by the
EPA Deputy Administrator and approved by the
General Services Administration, to the appropriate
congressional committee. In 2008, every charter
was renewed on time, thereby avoiding the manda-
tory termination of the committee. In addition, the
staff helped create and approved three charters for
new committees. These new committees include: (1)
Adaptation for Climate Sensitive Ecosystems and
Resources Advisory Committee, (2) Total Coliform
Rule Distribution Systems Advisory Committee, and
(3) Human Impacts of Climate Change Advisory
Committee. The CPO staff also assisted in the de-
velopment of committee bylaws, operating proce-
dures, and performance measures.
DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER
COMMUNITY
We provided communication and outreach to the
DFO community with quarterly network meetings,
conveying current information, topical speakers, and
a forum for discussion.
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CPO AND GSA COSPONSORED THE FIRST
GOVERNMENT-WIDE FACA CONFERENCE
The 1.5 day conference, held in Washington DC,
provided training, speakers' forums, and an opportu-
nity for the FACA community to exchange ideas,
learn from success stories, and develop a sense of
"community" among the 225 conference partici-
pants. As a result of holding this conference, agen-
cies across the Executive Branch were able to learn
from each other, participate in the plenary sessions
(which were one of three discussion tracks), share
their agency's mission, discuss how their FACs in-
fluence the national economy, public health, envi-
ronmental protection and stewardship, homeland
security, and the welfare of our citizens.
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
(GSA) ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
(ACR)
We submitted the annual mandatory data submission
on all EPA federal advisory committees to GSA.
This FY 2008 data includes information on:
* 687 committee members,
* 190 committee meetings,
* the cost of each committee by category and
subcategory,
* 71 reports generated by the committees,
* the accomplishments of the committees, and
* the number of open and closed meetings
EPA conducted 99% of their meet-
ings open to the public, compared
to the 33% government-wide total
open meetings.
Government Wide
* 65,121 Members
* 6,938 Meetings
* 915 Committees
* 988 Reports
The database is available to the public at
www.fido.gov/facadatabase.
OUR PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS
THE COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
OPERATIONS STAFF
The Committee Management Operations (CMO)
Staff consists of four Designated Federal Officers
who manage the activities of five federal advisory
committees and one subcommittee. A summary of
the committee accomplishments for 2008 follows:
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Shaping the Nation's Environmental Policy
EPA established the National Advisory Council for
Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)
in 1988 to provide independent advice to the EPA
Administrator on a broad range of domestic and in-
ternational environmental policy, technology, and
management issues. The Council includes represen-
tatives from diverse interests in academia, industry,
non-governmental organizations, and state, local,
and Tribal governments.
In FY 2008 NACEPT held five full Council meet-
ings and two Environmental Technology Subcom-
mittee meetings. The Council submitted three ad-
vice letters and two reports to the EPA Administra-
tor.
Advice Letters: NACEPT submitted a third advice
letter in November 2007 on expanding EPA's stew-
ardship role in biofuel development. The letter of-
fered the following recommendations: (1) Acceler-
ate research on impacts of expanding biomass and
biofuels production and the sustainability of the in-
dustry, (2) Provide more public information on bio-
mass and biofuel impacts and sustainability, (3)
Help facilitate the commercialization of biofuel-
related technologies, (4) Provide economic and sce-
nario analyses to inform public and private sector
decision making, and (5) Provide the workforce, re-
sources, and planning to do the job right.
NACEPT submitted comments on (EPA's Draft
2007 Report on the Environment: Highlights of Na-
tional Trends (ROE/HD)) in January 2008. NA-
CEPT suggested ways to strengthen the Report, in-
cluding: (1) The Report should be as independent as
possible of EPA regulatory activities, and it should
not be used as a public relations tool to highlight
favorable results or obscure problems, (2) Select
scientifically valid indicators that address the most
important environmental issues, describe the cause-
and-effect relationships to inform those indicators,
and maintain the same set of indicators across Re-
ports, (3) Highlight regional examples of environ-
mental conditions and trends and provide
available regional data, (4) Draw some con-
clusions from the data presented, (5) Provide infor-
mation for how individuals can be better stewards in
addressing problems the Report identifies, (6) En-
sure on-line access to and more frequent updates of
the Report's data and trends.
NACEPT provided comments on EPA's White Pa-
per on (Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environ-
mental Decision Making) in September 2008. NA-
CEPT believes EPA should give high priority to the
systematic development and deployment of inte-
grated models to inform EPA decision-making. The
advice letter also addresses four key themes: (1)
identifying multiple perspectives on integrated mod-
eling; (2) automating the process for transporting
data from sources to models and between models;
(3) managing uncertainty; and (4) building a model-
ing community of practice.
Reports: NACEPT's March 2008 report
(Everyone 's Business: Working Towards Sustain-
ability Through Environmental Stewardship and
Collaboration) provides recommendations on how
EPA might advance its efforts on environmental
stewardship and cooperative conservation. The re-
port advances five key recommendations, supported
by specific findings and immediate steps for EPA:
(1) EPA should reframe its mission with steward-
ship as the unifying theme and ethic, (2) EPA
should strive to become the world's premier stew-
ardship model and catalyst by integrating regulatory
programs, grants, voluntary partnerships, informa-
tion, in-house operations, and other tools into a
common framework, (3) EPA should foster steward-
ship by providing leadership in collaborative gov-
ernance and participating in partnerships organized
by others, (4) EPA should systematically invest in
the skills and competencies necessary for the
Agency's domestic and global leadership in envi-
ronmental stewardship, (5) EPA should drive the
ethic and practice of stewardship deep into the cul-
ture of the Agency.
The Subcommittee on Environmental Technology
submitted its third report in April 2008 (EPA and
the Venture Capital Community: Building Bridges
to Commercialize Technology). The report dis-
cusses the importance of stimulating private-sector
investment in new environmental technologies.
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The report's findings and recommendations offer
several strategies for EPA, including communica-
tion of needs, continued verification of effectiveness
and acceptability of technology for specific pur-
poses, and a framework of more predictable and
consistently enforced regulations.
Response Letters/Impact of Recommendations:
NACEPT received two response letters from EPA in
FY2008.
Phase I Water Recommendations: In response to
NACEPT's Initial Findings and Recommendations
on EPA's Sustainable Infrastructure Watershed Pil-
lar, the Office of Water offered examples of how it
is incorporating the Council's recommendations into
its efforts, including: (1) working with partners to
expand outreach and feedback mechanisms for the
Sustainable Infrastructure Initiative, (2) establishing
a liaison with the Department of Transportation, and
(3) assigning a single person to improve its internal
organization of efforts under the Watershed Pillar.
Environmental Technology: In response to the NA-
CEPT report EPA Technology Programs: Engaging
the Marketplace, EPA provided an update on further
progress toward enhancing its environmental tech-
nology programs, including: (1) an interim Senior
Environmental Technology Officer (SETO) has
been appointed, and a search committee to select a
permanent SETO is being established, (2) the Envi-
ronmental Technology Council (ETC) has made
progress in facilitating the use of technology to ad-
dress pressing environmental problems, (3) the Re-
gional Environmental Technology Advocacy Net-
work was established and held its first meeting last
month in Chicago, (4) the Environmental Technol-
ogy Assessment, Verification, and Outcomes Staff
has been established in the Office of Research and
Development and will provide support to the SETO,
the Agency, and the public in increasing the avail-
ability of technology performance information, (5)
the Science Advisor intends to convene the ETC and
focus the Council discussion on developing an
Agency-wide environmental technology support
plan, and (6) EPA will continue to develop strategic
domestic and international partnerships to reduce
greenhouse gas intensity and promote greenhouse
gas-reducing technologies, both through the devel-
opment of novel technologies and by encouraging
the adoption of more mature technologies.
The next NACEPT meeting is November 13-14,
2008. Potential topics for discussion include: NA-
CEPT's 20th anniversary study, NACEPT's draft
recommendations on Encouraging Regional Solu-
tions to Sustaining Water Sector Utilities, EPA's
Information Access Strategy, EPA's Strategic Plan
Change Document, and the establishment of NA-
CEPT's Performance Track Subcommittee.
Environmental Advisors Across Borders
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board (Board)
was created by the Enterprise for the Americas Ini-
tiative Act of 1992 (7 U.S. Code Section 5404) to
advise the President and the Congress concerning
environmental and infrastructure issues and needs
within the States contiguous to Mexico. Under Ex-
ecutive Order 12916, administrative responsibility
for the Board's operations was delegated to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency. Membership
includes a range of sectors and expertise, in keeping
with FACA regulation.
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board supports
both EPA's mission and its strategic plan. It supports
protection of human health and the environment
through providing recommendations on how the
federal government can most effectively leverage its
resources for maximum environmental protection
along the U.S. border with Mexico. In addition, by
holding meetings in border communities and hear-
ing first-hand the concerns of community residents,
the Board supports Goal 4 of the strategic plan,
Healthy Communities and Ecosystems. Finally,
through the diverse nature of its membership and the
networks the members maintain, the Board supports
the crosscutting strategies of Partnerships and Infor-
mation.
The Board meets approximately three times annu-
ally at locations along the U.S.-Mexico border and
in Washington, DC. During FY 2008, the commit-
tee met in Las Cruces, New Mexico, October
3-4, 2008; Washington, D.C., March 19-20,
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2008; Calexico, California, June 18-19, 2008; and
El Paso, Texas, September 24-25, 2008. At the first
meeting the Board discussed and heard from the
public on natural disasters and its impact on the en-
vironmental in the Region and in the third and forth
meetings, the Board learned about innovation, in-
cluding incentives, to prevent/reduce pollution at the
U.S.-Mexico Border. In addition, it discussed com-
munity concerns and priorities for that portion of the
border region by hearing from local experts and via
public comment sessions. For the second meeting,
in Washington, D.C., the Board heard presentations
from national policymakers and had an opportunity
to talk with Administration officials about its recom-
mendations. All of the meetings included report-
outs from Board members on activities taking place
in their organizations.
The Good Neighbor Environmental Board issued an
annual report to the President and Congress on envi-
ronmental and infrastructure needs along the U.S.
border with Mexico. This report incorporates public
input from its border-community meetings as well
as the expertise of its diverse membership. Environ-
mental issues along the border are greatly compli-
cated by other issues such as immigration, security,
cultural diversity, poverty, cross-border trade, and
other issues. The Board is uniquely positioned to
identify current and emerging issues of concern
within this complicated policy arena, and advise the
federal government on how best to allocate its re-
sources to address these concerns.
To accomplish its purpose, it maintains a close
working relationship with the Chair of the Council
on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the President's
environmental advisor to fulfill its mission. This re-
lationship includes two-way dialogue on selection of
annual report topics and a response from CEQ to
each set of recommendations.
Within EPA, the Board maintains a partnership rela-
tionship with the Agency's Border 2012 Program,
serving as both an information resource and as an
objective provider of feedback. Thus, its recom-
mendations have a direct effect on Agency opera-
tions.
The Board's meetings in border communities are
unique opportunities to hear first-hand from border
community residents about their concerns and pri-
orities; the border region is extremely varied, and
national policies benefit from an in-depth under-
standing of these variations as well as environmental
issues that are common to the entire border region.
The Board factors this locale-specific as well as bor-
der-wide information into its recommendations.
Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2008 are con-
tained in the Eleventh Report to the President and
Congress. The Eleventh Report, called "Natural Dis-
asters and the Environment Along the U.S.-Mexico
Border: Eleventh Report of the Good Neighbor En-
vironmental Board to the President and Congress of
the United States," published in March of 2008.
To effectively protect human health and the environ-
ment within the U.S.-Mexico border region from
natural disasters, the Good Neighbor Environmental
Board recommended that the federal government
work with appropriate authorities to implement the
following policy options: (1) Prevent or minimize
the impacts of natural disasters through appropriate
zoning codes, building codes, landscape require-
ments, watershed management, and municipal stra-
tegic planning. (2) Build capacity at the local, state,
regional, and tribal levels to effectively manage
natural disasters, including cross-border coordinator.
(3) Better integrate current disparate preparedness
and responses management systems and practical
exercises so as to cover all types of emergencies,
including natural disasters. (4) Expand existing do-
mestic and bi-national agreements to incorporate
U.S.-Mexico border-specific measures related to
natural disasters, including measures tailored to spe-
cific natural features and human settlements.
During 2009, the Board plans to meet in Washing-
ton, D.C. in March (to release its Twelve report);
California in June; and Arizona in September 2009.
In partnership with CEQ, it will select the topic for
its Thirteenth annual report.
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d Sustainable Fut^r
The National Advisory Committee (NAC)
and the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC)
advise the EPA Administrator on trade and environ-
ment issues arising from the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The NAC and GAC
were both created in 1994 by a Presidential Execu-
tive Order as part of the United States Federal Im-
plementation Act of the North American Agreement
on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC). The
committees are administered by the EPA's Office of
Cooperative Environmental Management (OCEM).
The NAC is composed of 12 members representing
academia, environmental non-governmental organi-
zations, and private industry. The GAC is com-
posed of 12 members representing state, local, and
Tribal governments.
The committees serve the EPA Administrator in his
capacity as the U.S. Representative to the governing
Council of the Commission for Environmental Co-
operation (CEC). The CEC Secretariat is the inter-
national institution created by the United States,
Canada, and Mexico to cooperate on regional envi-
ronment and trade issues. The governing Council of
the CEC is composed of the NAFTA countries En-
vironmental Ministers. Mexico and Canada also
have their own national advisory committees advis-
ing their respective Ministers.
During fiscal year 2008, the NAC and GAC held
two open public meetings in Washington, DC
(October 17-18, 2007) and in Alexandria, Virginia
(April 16-18, 2008). All meetings included public
comment sessions and presentations by high ranking
officials in the United States Government, senior
officials at the Commission for Environmental Co-
operation in Montreal, Canada, and members of the
trilateral CEC's Joint Public Advisory Committee.
This blend of experts and high ranking officials at
meetings engages members in a rigorous dialogue
from which to create their advice. During these
meetings, the NAC and GAC meet jointly on the
first day and then separately on the second day to
develop separate advice letters commensurate with
their sector groupings.
The October meeting included experts from the En-
vironmental Defense Fund, the U.S. Department of
State, Environmental Law Institute, and both EPA's
American Indian Environmental Office and the Of-
fice of the Chief Financial Officer . The committees
provided advice on issues related to the CEC's Op-
erational Plan for 2008. The Operational Plan sets
North American environmental priorities and under-
goes trilateral review on an annual basis. The out-
come of the October meeting was advice on the fol-
lowing three areas: (1) opportunities to increase the
CEC's visibility and communications with U.S. con-
stituencies, 2) emerging trends of concern for envi-
ronment and human health in North America, such
as nanotechnology, food safety, climate change,
demographics and by-products of uranium mining,
and 3) overarching views on the framework of the
draft Operational Plan.
The April meeting included experts from the Uni-
versity of California Paul Merage School of Busi-
ness, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative,
and four EPA program offices; l)Enforcement &
Compliance Assurance, 2) International Affairs, 3)
Air and Radiation, and 4)Pollution Prevention, Pes-
ticides and Toxic Substances. The outcome of the
April meeting was advice on four major topics: 1)
North American Symposia on Assessing the Envi-
ronmental Effects of Trade, 2) Economic and Envi-
ronmental Sustainability, 3) Trade and Enforcement:
Import Safety and the CEC, and 4) the Article 13
Report on Green Building in North America.
In addition, in June 2008, several members of the
NAC and GAC met with the EPA Administrator at
the CEC Annual Environmental Ministers Session
in Ottawa, Canada. During this Council Session,
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the NAC and GAC also met with their advisory
group counterparts in Mexico to maintain open com-
munication and awareness of their perspectives.
In fiscal year 2009, the committees will meet on Oc-
tober 23-24, 2008 in Somerton, Arizona and April
2009 in Washington, DC. Topics for discussion will
include a review of the information for decision-
making, and capacity building work of the CEC in
the fall, and issues related to the development of the
new CEC's 2010-2015 Strategic Plan in the spring of
2009.
Agriculture Producing Solutions
Continuing efforts to strengthen relations with the
agriculture community, on October 17, 2007, EPA
announced the establishment of the Farm, Ranch, and
Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee
(FRRCC). The Committee was formed under the
guidelines of EPA's National Strategy for Agricul-
ture, and it will advise the Administrator on environ-
mental policy issues impacting farms, ranches, and
rural communities and operate under the rules of the
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
The FRRCC held its first meeting in March 2008,
where it formed the Climate Change/Renewable En-
ergy Workgroup, the Livestock & Poultry Work-
group, and the Emerging Issues Workgroup. It held
a subsequent meeting in September 2008, where the
three new workgroups and committee met to focus
on: (1) the impacts of Agency agriculture-related
programs, policies, and regulations regarding climate
change and renewable energy; (2) the development
of a comprehensive environmental strategy for man-
aging waste from livestock operations that considers
regulatory and voluntary approaches and provides
tools for producers to attain environmental perform-
ance; and (3) the development of a framework to ad-
dress areas of common interest between sustainable
agriculture and protection of the environment.
As a result of the September meeting the workgroups
refined their charges and built relationships with
EPA program offices in order to facilitate their ef-
forts. The workgroups anticipate producing their
first set of advice on a wide range of issues to the
Agency at their next meeting in FY 2009.
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OCEM ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR 2008
THE PLANNING, TECHNOLOGY AND OUT-
REACH STAFF
The Planning, Technology and Outreach (PTO)
Staff has overall responsibility for the Office of
Cooperative Environmental Management's strategic
planning, communications and outreach. These
duties include information management, records
management, managing the freedom of information
and executive correspondence, program evaluation
and customer service processes, and managing con-
tracts, grants, and human capital. As such, PTO
played a critical role in the following cross cutting
organizational initiatives:
BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE
We managed OCEM's $1.78 million budget and
provided exceptional customer service and support
to the OCEM-managed federal advisory committees,
subcommittees, and workgroups despite reduced
resources. The level of support included, but was not
limited to, logistical support and meeting planning,
travel, developing additional marketing tools for
communications and outreach, surveying to deter-
mine the level and extent of customer service for
committee management purposes, e-mailing out
committee background materials, and maintaining
adequate supplies for committee meeting needs.
2008 OCEM's BUDGET TOTALS $1.78 M
60% of Which Goes to Salaries
DPC&B $1,041,300
• Travel $178,200
DWCF$80,100
D Operating
Expenses $90,000
• Contracts
$256,500
D Grants $135,000
Most of OCBVTs 2008 Non-Salary
Budget Goes Toward Managing
Our Committees $618.5 K
D Committee Travel
$195,000
• DFO Awards Ceremony
$1,500
D Outreach Efforts
$15,000
D Web Support $42,000
• Report Writing/Printing
$135,000
D Meeting Support
$230,098
ENHANCEMENT OF OCEM'S STRATEGIC
ACTION PLAN
We developed the strategic action agenda and se-
cured facilitators for OCEM's most recent planning
workshops, which were held in Crystal City, Vir-
ginia on April 3, 2008; and in Queenstowne, Mary-
land on October 5-8, 2008 at the Aspen Wye River
Conference Centers.
The April session focused on OCEM's accomplish-
ments and priorities for the first six months of the
fiscal year. The October session allowed staff to
celebrate accomplishments for the balance of the
fiscal year, identify priorities, discuss gaps for FY-
09, discuss EPA benefits and retirement, and team
building techniques. Emphasis was also placed on
office ethics, diversity, and cultural competency.
DEVELOPMENT OF OCEM'S ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE PLAN AND
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE INITIATIVES
We developed and submitted OCEM's FY 2010
Annual Performance Plan and our 2009 Hiring and
Succession Plan in support of the Office of the Ad-
ministrator's Operating Budget. We also worked
closely with the Office of Executive Support and the
Agency's Deputy Chief of Staff to address AO's
2008 Organizational Assessments and numerous
AO-wide initiatives such as enhancing the utiliza-
tion of resources and developing its Human Capital
Strategy and Action Plan.
We continuously responded to inquiries involving
Annual Plans for Executive Agencies' Action to As-
sist Historically Black Colleges and Universities,
Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and Employ-
ees with Disabilities.
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ENHANCEMENT OF OCEM'S
COMMUNICATIONS
We worked with the Good Neighbor Environmental
Board's Designated Federal Officer to create and
distribute the Eleventh Annual GNEB Report to the
President, Congress, and the public; and secured a
contractor to assist with the layout of the Twelfth
Report. We also worked to secure another contrac-
tor to assist with the National Advisory Council for
Environmental Policy and Technology's Steward-
ship Report and Subcommittee Report on Venture
Capital.
We continued to review and update the existing
OCEM websites. The Intranet site provides infor-
mation concerning OCEM's mission, goals, objec-
tives, and on-going federal advisory committee ac-
tivities including annual reports and studies. We
populated the Intranet site with information specifi-
cally focused on best practices and guidance for
DFOs, frequently asked questions, and detailed in-
formation highlighting all of EPA's federal advisory
committees and subcommittees. The site can be ac-
cessed at http://intranet.epa.gov/ocem
We enhanced an electronic travel log to track FACA
committee and in-house expenses. The travel log
has been added to the aforementioned Intranet site
under "Best Practices" for use by the DFO commu-
nity.
PLANNING, TECHNOLOGY
& OUTREACH STAFF
TOP 3 INITIATIVES FOR 2009
* Develop a 'post-marketing' campaign
survey to gauge the effectiveness of
OCEM's current marketing tools and
further determine the level of aware-
ness program offices (or targeted audi-
ences) have about OCEM and FACA.
* Complete and implement the hiring
strategy for a senior level Designated
Federal Officer in OCEM.
* Implement and maintain an OCEM-
specific events planning and logistical
support contract.
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HOW DOES OCEM'S MISSION RELATE TO
EPA'S MISSION?
EPA's mission is to protect human health and the
natural environment. The Agency's strategic plan
is built around five goals, centered on air and global
climate change, water, land, communities and
ecosystems, and compliance and environmental
stewardship. The Office of Cooperative Environ-
mental Management serves as the leader of the
Agency's advisory committee process and as a
catalyst for public participation in national and
international policy development, implementation,
and decision-making. The advisory committee
process is an integral part of EPA's mission because
it brings together experts in the environmental,
sociological, and technological sciences who are all
stakeholders in the issues they address. By utilizing
the knowledge of these experts and the public
participation process, EPA is better informed.
OCEM is instrumental in building and preserving
these collaborative relationships by providing
efficient operation and oversight of all EPA federal
advisory committees and a leadership forum for
EPA's DFO community.
WHY DID CONGRESS CREATE THE FED-
ERAL ADVISTORY COMMITTEE ACT
(FACA)?
Congress passed the Federal Advisory Commit-
tee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2, in 1972, to cre-
ate an orderly procedure by which federal agen-
cies may seek collective advice. When EPA es-
tablishes a group which has one or more mem-
bers who are not federal government employees
to obtain collective advice, the Agency may be
required to comply with FACA.
FACA establishes procedures for the management
of federal advisory committees, ensures transpar-
ency of advisory committee decision-making, and
ensures balanced representation on advisory com-
mittees. FACA ensures that committees convened
to give group advice are accountable to the public
by maximizing public access to advisory committee
deliberations and minimizing the influence of spe-
cial interests through balanced committee member-
ship.
WHAT IS THE EPA POLICY REGARDING
REPRESENTATIVE FEDERAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEE MEMBERS MEETING WITH
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OR THEIR
STAFF?
EPA is revising its 1998 policy on FAC members
meeting with congressional members. EPA is re-
vising this policy to provide FAC members with
more flexibility in meeting with congressional
members or their staff, while ensuring that such
meetings do not create the appearance of impropri-
ety. EPA's revised policy is that a FAC member
may meet with Congress and avoid the appearance
of impropriety providing the FAC member follows
the guidance below:
To avoid the appearance of impropriety, EPA pol-
icy is that representative members may meet with
congressional members or their staff on days they
are in Washington, D.C., for a FAC meeting, pro-
viding: (1) The member is on personal time (that
is, the meeting with congressional members or their
staff occurs outside of the time the committee is
meeting, such as the day before the meeting, the
day after the meeting, or the day of the meeting af-
ter the meeting is over for the day); (2) The mem-
ber meets with Congress in his/her personal capac-
ity (that is, not as a member of the FAC); (3) The
subjects discussed do not include work the FAC is
doing; and (4) If the member is on invitational
travel, the member notifies the DFO in advance of
the meeting.
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HOW CAN I GET MEMBERS APPOINTED
TO A FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
OCEM has developed a comprehensive guide along
with sample letters and memos to provide step-by-
step instructions on how to prepare committee
membership nominations for the Administrator or
Deputy Administrator's signature. OCEM has also
released a Federal Advisory Committee Handbook.
Chapter Five of this handbook addresses selecting
and appointing members. In addition to these
documents, OCEM provides face-to-face training
and consultation services on the subject of commit-
tee member appointments. Contact Khanna Johns-
ton for more information at (564-1569).
information at (202) 564-1203. You can also find
answers to other frequently asked questions about
records and reports management, DFO training, and
administrative matters on our Intranet site at
http://intranet.epa.gov/ocem/faca. This site also
contains examples of charter by-laws and ground
rules and operating procedures for FACA meetings.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY NEW ROLE
AS A DESIGNATED FEDERAL OFFICER
(DFO)?
OCEM can provide you with a New DFO
Orientation. Contact Toni Rousey for more
information at (202) 564-5356.
AS A MANAGER, HOW DO I KNOW THAT
MY FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS
COMPLYING WITH THE LAW?
OCEM can support your committee, through assist
visits, to ensure your office complies with applica-
ble laws, regulations, and orders.
WHO DO I CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS
ABOUT FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMIT-
TEES?
OCEM can perform research on any subject that
deals with federal advisory committees. Contact the
Committee Management Officer, Vicki Ellis, for
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OFFICE ORGANIZATION
Rafael DeLeon
Office Director
COMMITTEE POLICY AND OVERSIGHT (CPO) STAFF
(202) 564-2294
Tim Sherer
Marsha Coleman-Adebayo
Vicki Ellis
Khanna Johnston
Toni Rousey
Associate Director
Senior Program Analyst
Committee Management Officer
Senior Policy Advisor
Program Analyst
(202) 564-6486
(202) 564-1009
(202) 564-4203
(202)564-1569
(202) 564-5356
COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS (CMO) STAFF
Mark Joyce
Sonia Altieri
Oscar Carrillo
Alicia Kaiser
Megan Moreau
Associate Director/ActingDFO, GNEB (202) 564-2131
DFO, NACEPT (202) 564-0243
DFO, NAC/GAC (202) 564-0347
DFO, FRRCC (202) 564-7273
Junior DFO, NACEPT (202) 564-5320
PLANNING, TECHNOLOGY, AND OUTREACH (PTO) STAFF
Cynthia Jones-Jackson
Christopher Ashcraft
Geraldine Brown
Debbie Lake-Hinkle
Jannell Young-Ancrum
Associate Director (202) 5 64-23 21
Junior DFO, FRRCC /Program Analyst (202) 564-2432
FOIA/CMSManager (202) 564-4235
Contracts, Grants & IT Services (202) 564-2622
Events Planning & Contracts (202) 564-8297
PTO PROGRAM SUPPORT STAFF (NOWCC)
Nancy Bradley
Lois Williams
GNEB Support
NACEPT/NAC/GAC Support
(202) 564-0994
(202) 564-9085
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Public Involvement for A Better Environment
MAILING ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Cooperative Environmental Management
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Mail Code: 1601M
Washington, DC 20460
Main Phone Number - (202) 564-2294
Fax Number - (202) 564-8129
Website - www.epa.gov/ocem
Intranet site - http://intranet.epa.gov/ocem
ON-SITE LOCATION
EPA East Building
1201 Constitution Ave, NW
Room: 1102
Washington, B.C. 20004
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