[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 161 (Thursday, August 20, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 44605-44606] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-22452] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Request for Nominations for the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture is requesting nominations for qualified persons to serve as members of the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality. DATE: Nominations must be received in writing or reaffirmed (see [[Page 44606]] SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section) by October 2, 1998. ADDRESSES: Send written nominations to: Chief, USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: George Bluhm, Designated Federal Official, telephone (530) 752-1018, fax (530) 752-1552, email [email protected]. To obtain form AD- 755 ONLY contact Jeff Graham, NRCS Agricultural Climatologist via phone at (202) 720-1858 or email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Task Force Purpose As required by Section 391 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) shall establish a task force to review research results by any Federal agency that addresses air quality issues related to agriculture or agriculture infrastructure. Recommendations from the Task Force will be provided to the Secretary of Agriculture for guidance on air quality policy implementations. The requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) apply to this Task Force. The Task Force will: 1. Review research on agricultural air quality supported by Federal agencies; 2. Base recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture upon sound scientific findings after adequate peer review and taking into account economic feasibility; 3. Work to ensure intergovernmental (Federal, state and local) coordination to establish policy for agriculture air quality and to avoid duplication; and 4. To the extent practical, assist Federal agencies correct their erroneous data with respect to agriculture air quality. Task Force Membership The Task Force will be made up of United States citizens. The Task Force will be composed of: 1. Individuals with expertise in agricultural air quality and/or agricultural production; 2. Individuals representing regional air quality concerns; 3. Representatives of institutions with expertise in air quality impacts on human health; 4. Five representatives from commodity groups having expertise in production agriculture; 5. Six representatives from state or local agencies having expertise in agriculture and air quality; and 6. An atmospheric scientist. Task Force nominations must be in writing and provide the appropriate background documents required by USDA policy, including form AD-755. Previous nominees and current Task Force members who wish to be reappointed should update their nominations and must provide a new background disclosure form (AD-755) to reaffirm their candidacy. Service as a member of the Task Force shall not constitute employment by, or the holding of an office of, the United States for the purpose of any Federal law. A Task Force member shall serve for a term of 2 years. No individual may serve more than 2 consecutive 2-year terms as a member of the Task Force. A member of the Task Force shall receive no compensation from the NRCS for their service as a member of the Task Force except as described below. While away from home or regular place of business of a member of the Task Force, the member will be eligible for travel expenses paid by the NRCS, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a person employed intermittently in the government service is allowed under section 5703 of title 5, United States code. Additional information about the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality may be found on the World Wide Web at http:// www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/faca/aaqtf.html. Submitting Nominations Nominations should be typed and should include the following: 1. A brief summary of no more than two pages explaining the nominee's suitability to serve on the Task Force on Agricultural Air Quality. 2. Resume. 3. A completed copy of form AD-755. Nominations should be sent to the Chief of NRCS at the address listed above, and be post marked no later than October 2, 1998. Equal Opportunity Statement To ensure that recommendations of the Task Force take into account the needs of underserved and diverse communities served by the Department, membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals representing minorities, women and persons with disabilities. Dated: August 14, 1998. Thomas A. Weber, Deputy Chief for Science and Technology. [FR Doc. 98-22452 Filed 8-19-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3014-16-M