[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 97 (Tuesday, May 20, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27556-27557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12618]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7501-1]


Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period for Development of a 
National Agenda for the Environment and the Aging

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: In October 2002 EPA launched an Aging Initiative to study the 
effects of environmental health hazards on older persons and examine 
the impact that a rapidly aging population will have on the 
environment. The Initiative will also identify model programs that will 
provide opportunities for older persons to volunteer in their 
communities to reduce environmental hazards and protect the environment 
for future generations.

DATES: On March 4, 2003 (68 FR 10238) EPA published a notice seeking 
public comment on the National Agenda on the Environment and the Aging 
with a deadline of May 16, 2003. EPA has extended the deadline for 
public comments through Tuesday, September 30, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Sykes, EPA's Aging Initiative 
Coordinator, at (202) 564-2188 or by email: aging.info@epa.gov">aging.info@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Identifying Research Gaps in Environmental Health

Strategy To Address Environmental Hazards That Threaten the Health of 
Older Persons: Research and Educational Priorities

    The National Agenda for the Environment and the Aging will lay out 
a strategy that combines research and educational programs that promote 
preventive actions to address environmental health hazards. One 
fundamental question is: How do environmental hazards affect older 
persons differently from younger persons? Understanding the biology 
underlying differing age-related responses can inform a scientific 
rationale for decisions on how to appropriately incorporate the 
differential sensitivity of those who are aging into environmental risk 
assessment, decisions and actions.
    EPA's effort to develop a national agenda to address environmental 
issues that affect the health and well-being of the nation's older 
persons has been advanced by a workshop on the ``Differential 
Susceptibility and Exposure of Older Persons to Environmental Hazards'' 
convened by the National Academy of Sciences in December 2002. At that 
meeting, experts discussed priority issues for the National Agenda for 
the Environment and the Aging. Experts focused on exposures to 
environmental hazards found in drinking water, indoor and outdoor air, 
and food residues that may have health effects including respiratory 
and cardiopulmonary disease, neurotoxicity, infectious disease and 
cancer.
    EPA invites public comments on environmental hazards that may 
affect the health of older persons in states and local communities. 
Among questions which may be considered are:
    What specific environmental exposures in your community 
particularly affect the health of older persons?
    Which health conditions specific to older adults may increase their 
susceptibility to chemical toxicants?
    Which lifestyle factors of older adults may increase the exposure 
to environmental hazards?
    What steps may individuals and communities take to reduce the 
potential environmental health risks that older adults may face?

II. Preparing for an Aging Society

Impact of an Aging Population on the Environment

    The EPA invites comments on the extent to which an aging population 
may affect the environment. The nation's demographics will have changed 
dramatically by 2030: the U.S. population over 65 years of age is 
expected to double. The largest cohort born in U.S. history (76 million 
Americans were born between 1946 and 1964) begins to turn 65 in 2011 
and will markedly influence the quality of life for both older persons 
and young people. The National Agenda will focus on the interface 
between older persons and their environment.
    As an increasing number of adults approach retirement age, 
migration may substantially increase to areas characterized by 
temperate climates, lower population and traffic density, and better 
environmental quality. These areas may be sparsely populated and 
ecologically diverse regions. To ensure harmony between the needs of 
this growing population and preserving important natural resources, it 
is important to have the tools available for regional and landscape 
planning. The

[[Page 27557]]

EPA invites comments on the extent to which an aging population has 
unique needs with respect to housing, transportation, health care, 
recreation, and other quality of life issues, and how these needs may 
affect the environment. Issues which may be considered include:
    What can city, county and regional planners do to meet the needs of 
today's older adults and prepare for the anticipated increase in the 
number of retirees and at the same time enhance preservation of natural 
resources for recreation, wildlife, water, air and land quality?
    Can you identify unique resource needs and utilization patterns of 
older adults that may generate novel ecological pressures?
    What steps can individual baby boomers and older adults take to not 
only reduce potential hazards to the environment but also preserve and 
enhance the quality of the environment for themselves and future 
generations?

III. Encouraging Older Adults To Volunteer To Reduce Environmental 
Hazards

Opportunities for Older Persons To Enhance the Environment and Their 
Health

    The National Agenda will not only identify strategies to protect 
the quality of life for older persons from environmental hazards, but 
also suggest ways to engage the nation's older persons in programs and 
strategies designed to enhance the environment for all generations.
    Many older Americans contribute their time, energy and expertise to 
protect their environment and educate their communities about 
environmental hazards to citizens and threats to natural resources. The 
EPA intends to encourage further involvement and expand opportunities 
for older persons to volunteer in programs designed to lessen 
environmental hazards. Programs or activities that are of interest 
include activities that increase awareness of environmental hazards, 
and preserve the quality of the environment for today and tomorrow's 
citizens. The EPA welcomes comments on encouraging older adults to 
volunteer to reduce environmental hazards in their communities. Among 
the questions to which the EPA invites comments are the following:
    Which volunteer programs that address environmental hazards in your 
community warrant examination for possible replication in other 
communities?
    What incentives are needed to encourage older persons to volunteer 
their time and ideas to protect the environment, reduce environmental 
hazards and enhance the health of and the environment for people of all 
ages?
    In an effort to raise awareness of environmental factors important 
to all citizens, how can older persons serve as models of good practice 
and mentors for younger generations about environmental hazards found 
in the community?
    In your community or state, what intergenerational environmental 
projects have been successful in improving the health of children or 
older persons?
    What potential barriers exist to volunteering in your community to 
reduce environmental hazards?
    Public comments will be accepted until Tuesday, September 30, 2003.
    (1) To submit written comments, please send them by mail or hand 
deliver to: EPA's Aging Initiative, Mail Code 1107A, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Avenue, NW., Room 2512 Ariel Rios North, Washington, DC 20460, or
    (2) Fax comments to: National Agenda for the Environment and the 
Aging (202) 564-2733, or
    (3) E-mail comments to: aging.info@epa.gov">aging.info@epa.gov.

    Dated: May 13, 2003.
Joanne Rodman,
Acting Director, Office of Children's Health Protection.
[FR Doc. 03-12618 Filed 5-19-03; 8:45 am]
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