[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 9, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45542-45543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-12965]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8207-2]


EPA Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental 
Education Staff Office; Request for Nominations of Candidates for the 
National Environmental Education Advisory Council

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) 
Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education 
Staff Office is soliciting applications of environmental education 
professionals for consideration on the National Environmental Education 
Advisory Council (NEEAC). There are currently five (5) vacancies on the 
Advisory Council that must be filled: Business and Industry--one 
vacancy (2007-2009); Non-Profit Organization--two vacancies (2007-
2009); Primary and Secondary Education--one vacancy (must be a 
classroom teacher) (2007-2009); College and University--one vacancy 
(2007-2009).
    Additional avenues and resources may be utilized in the 
solicitation of applications.

DATES: Applications should be submitted by October 13, 2006 per 
instructions below.

ADDRESSES: Submit non-electronic application materials to Ginger 
Potter, Designated Federal Officer, National Environmental Education 
Advisory Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of 
Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education (MC: 1704A), 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Ph: 202-564-0453, 
FAX: 202-564-2754, e-mail: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information regarding this Request for 
Nominations, please contact Ms. Ginger Potter, Designated Federal 
Officer (DFO), EPA National Environmental Education Advisory Council, 
at [email protected] or (202) 564-0453. General information 
concerning NEEAC can be found on the EPA Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/enviroed.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: Section 9(a) and (b) of the 
National Environmental Education Act of 1990 (Pub. L. L-101-619) 
mandates a National Environmental Education Advisory Council. The 
Advisory Council provides the Administrator with advice and 
recommendations on EPA implementation of the National Environmental 
Education Act. In general, the Act is designed to increase public 
understanding of environmental issues and problems, and to improve the 
training of environmental education professionals. EPA will achieve 
these goals, in part, by awarding grants and/or establishing 
partnerships with other Federal agencies, state and local education and 
natural resource agencies, not-for-profit organizations, universities, 
and the private sector to encourage and support environmental education 
and training programs. The Council is also responsible for preparing a 
national biennial report to Congress that will describe and assess the 
extent and quality of environmental education, discuss major obstacles 
to improving environmental education, and identify the skill, 
education, and training needs for environmental professionals.
    The National Environmental Education Act requires that the Council 
be comprised of eleven (11) members appointed by the Administrator of 
EPA. Members represent a balance of perspectives, professional 
qualifications, and experience. The Act specifies that members must 
represent the following sectors: Primary and secondary education (one 
of whom shall be a classroom teacher)--two members; colleges and 
universities--two members; business and industry--two members; non 
profit organizations involved in environmental education--two members; 
state departments of education and natural resources--one member each; 
senior Americans--one member. Members are chosen to represent various 
geographic regions of the country, and the Council strives for a 
diverse representation. The professional backgrounds of Council members 
should include education, science, policy, or other appropriate 
disciplines.
    Each member of the Council shall hold office for a one (1) to three 
(3) year period. Members are expected to participate in up to two (2) 
meetings per year and monthly or more conference calls per year. 
Members of the Council shall receive compensation and allowances, 
including travel expenses, at a rate fixed by the Administrator.
    Expertise Sought: The NEEAC staff office seeks candidates with 
demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in any of the following 
environmental education issue areas:
    (a) Integrating environmental education into state and local 
education reform and improvement;

[[Page 45543]]

    (b) state, local and tribal level capacity building; (c) cross-
sector partnerships; (d) leveraging resources for environmental 
education; (e) design and implementation of environmental education 
research; (f) evaluation methodology; professional development for 
teachers and other education professionals; and (g) targeting under-
represented audiences, including low-income, multi-cultural, senior 
citizens and other adults.
    The NEEAC staff office is also looking for individuals who 
demonstrate the ability to make the time commitment, strong leadership 
skills, strong analytical skills, strong communication and writing 
skills, the ability to stand apart and evaluate programs in an unbiased 
manner, team players, have the conviction to follow-through and to meet 
deadlines, and the ability to review items on short notice.
    How to Submit Applications: Any interested and qualified 
individuals may be considered for appointment on the National 
Environmental Education Advisory Council. Applications should be 
submitted in electronic format to the Designated Federal Officer 
([email protected]) and contain the following: Contact information 
including name, address, phone and fax numbers and an e-mail address; a 
curriculum vita or resume; the specifc area of expertise in 
environmental education and the sector/slot the applicant is applying 
for; recent service on other national advisory committees or national 
professional organizations and; a one-page commentary on the 
applicant's philosophy regarding the need for, development, 
implementation and/or management of environmental education nationally. 
Additionally, a supporting letter of endorsement is required. This 
letter may also be submitted electronically as described above.
    Persons having questions about the application procedure or who are 
unable to submit applications by electronic means, should contact 
Ginger Potter, DFO, at the contact information provided above in this 
notice. Non-electronic submissions must contain the same information as 
the electronic. The NEEAC Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of the 
application. The NEEAC Staff Office will develop a short list of for 
more detailed consideration. Short list candidates will be required to 
fill out the Confidential Disclosure Form for Special Government 
Employees Serving Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form allows 
government officials to determine whether there is a statutory conflict 
between that person's public responsibilities (which include membership 
on a Federal advisory committee) and private interests and activities 
and the appearance of a lack of impartiality as defined by Federal 
regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded from the following 
URL address: http://www.wpa.gov/sab/pdf/epaform3110-48.pdf.

    Dated: July 21, 2006.
Ginger Potter,
Designated Federal Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-12965 Filed 8-8-06; 8:45 am]
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