[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17437-17438]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4895]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Notice of Request for Nominations for the Agricultural Air 
Quality Task Force

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice of Request for Nominations.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the Agricultural 
Air Quality Task Force and requests nominations for qualified persons 
to serve as members.

DATES: Nominations must be received in writing (see SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section) by May 19, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Send written nominations to: Chief, USDA/Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, Post Office Box 2890, Washington DC 20013-2890.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Diane Gelburd, Designated Federal 
Official, USDA/Natural Resources Conservation Service, telephone: (202) 
720-2587, fax: (202) 720-2646, e-mail: [email protected].

[[Page 17438]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

AAQTF 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 committee to address agricultural air 
quality issues. The Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) shall 
advise the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to the role of the 
Secretary, for providing oversight and coordination related to 
agricultural air quality. The requirements of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (FACA) apply to AAQTF.
    AAQTF will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on:
    1. Research efforts related to agricultural air quality;
    2. The extent to which agricultural activities contribute to air 
pollution;
    3. Cost-effective ways in which the agricultural industry can 
improve air quality;
    4. Coordination of research on agricultural air quality issues to 
avoid duplication and to ensure data quality and sound interpretation 
of data; and
    5. The respect to the role of the Secretary for providing oversight 
and coordination related to agricultural air quality.

AAQTF Membership

    AAQTF will be made up of United States citizens and be composed of:
    1. Individuals with scientific knowledge of agricultural air 
quality issues. Candidates in this category will be considered based 
upon their published research and editorial record, having provided 
testimony to congressional bodies, directing research efforts, receipt 
of national professional awards, and other applicable special 
experience or abilities. At least one atmospheric scientist will 
specifically be selected from this category of applicant.
    2. Experts in the production of food and fiber. Candidates in this 
category will be considered based upon their practical experience in 
farming/ranching, participation in professional associations, service 
as an elected official, service on other agricultural action 
committees, having provided expert testimony to congressional bodies, 
and other applicable special experience or abilities.
    3. Representatives from agricultural interest groups and industry. 
Candidates in this category will be considered based upon their 
professional industry standing, academic training, owning a producing 
farm/ranch, service on industry-wide committees, relevant publications/
speeches, and other applicable special experience or abilities.
    4. Representatives of other interests, including human health, 
environmental advocacy, and air quality regulators. Candidates in this 
category will be considered based upon their academic training, air-
quality or agriculturally-related professional service, knowledge of 
farm/ranch operations, professional memberships, air-quality or 
agriculturally-related publications/speeches, and other applicable 
special experience or abilities.
    AAQTF nominations must be in writing and must provide the 
appropriate background documents required by the Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) policy, including Form AD-755 (which is available 
online at the URL listed below). Previous nominees and current AAQTF 
members who wish to be reappointed must completely update their 
nominations, including all supporting materials, and provide a new 
background disclosure form (AD-755) to reaffirm their candidacy. 
Service as an AAQTF member shall not constitute employment by, or the 
holding of an office of, the United States for the purpose of any 
Federal law.
    An AAQTF member shall serve for a term of 2 years. AAQTF members 
shall receive no compensation from NRCS for their service as AAQTF 
members, except as described below.
    While away from home or regular place of business as a member of 
the AAQTF, the member will be eligible for travel expenses paid by 
NRCS, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at the same rate as a 
person employed intermittently in the government service under section 
5703 of Title 5, United States Code.
    Additional information about the AAQTF, as well as Form AD-755, may 
be found online at http://www.airquality.nrcs.usda.gov/AAQTF/.

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 qualifications to serve on the AAQTF.
    2. Resume, including publication list. Please do not send actual 
publications.
    3. A completed copy of Form AD-755.
    4. Letters of support.
    Nominations should be sent to the Chief of NRCS at the address 
listed above and postmarked no later than May 19, 2006.

Equal Opportunity Statement

    To ensure that recommendations of AAQTF take unto account the needs 
of underserved and diverse communities served by USDA, membership shall 
include to the extent practicable, individuals representing minorities, 
women, and persons with disabilities.

    Signed in Washington, DC on March 28, 2006.
Bruce I. Knight,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. E6-4895 Filed 4-5-06; 8:45 am]
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