[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 23 (Monday, February 4, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 6500]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-477]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-85-25-1]


Establishment of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory 
Committee (FRRCC)

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice; establishment of a Federal Advisory Committee.

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SUMMARY: As required by section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, we are giving notice that EPA is establishing the Farm, 
Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The purpose of 
the FRRCC is to provide advice to the Administrator of EPA on 
environmental issues and programs that impact, or are of concern to, 
farms, ranches, and rural communities. The FRRCC is a part of EPA's 
efforts to expand cooperative working relationships with the 
agriculture industry and others who are interested in agriculture 
issues and to achieve greater progress in environmental protection. The 
major objectives will be to provide advice and recommendations on: 
Impacts of Agency agriculture-related programs, policies, and 
regulations regarding climate change and renewable energy; 
identification and development of a comprehensive environmental 
strategy for livestock operations; and development of a constructive 
approach or framework to address areas of common interest between 
sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment. Topics 
covered may include issues relating to water, air and radiation, solid 
waste and emergency response, pesticides and toxics, enforcement and 
compliance assistance, and research and development. EPA has determined 
that this federal advisory committee is in the public interest and will 
assist the Agency in performing its duties and responsibilities. Copies 
of the FRRCC's charter will be filed with the appropriate congressional 
committees and the Library of Congress.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alicia Kaiser, Special Assistant for 
Agricultural Policy, US Environmental Protection Agency (2415B Ariel 
Rios North), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, E-
mail address: [email protected], Telephone number: (202) 564-7273.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FRRCC will be composed of approximately 
thirty (30) members who will serve as Regular Government Employees 
(RGEs) or as Representative members. The FRRCC expects to meet 
approximately two (2) times a year, or as needed and approved by the 
Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Meetings will be held in Washington, 
DC, and the EPA regions. The FRRCC will be examined annually and will 
exist until the EPA determines that the FRRCC is no longer needed. The 
charter will be in effect for two years from the date it is filed with 
Congress. After the initial two-year period, the charter may be renewed 
as authorized in accordance with section 14 of FACA (5 U.S.C. App. 2 
section 14).
    Membership: Nominations for membership on the FRRCC were solicited 
from the public through the Federal Register and from other sources. In 
selecting members, EPA will consider candidates from farm groups, 
conservation and environmental groups, agricultural processors and 
retailers, academia, citizen's groups, and state, local, and tribal 
governments, will consider the differing perspectives and the 
collective breadth of experience needed to address the Agency's charge. 
Because of the nature of the issues to be discussed, it is the intent 
of the Agency for the FRRCC to have a majority of members who are 
actively engaged in farming or ranching. USDA and other Federal 
agencies, as appropriate, will be invited to nominate members to serve 
as RGEs.

    Dated: January 17, 2008.
Jon Scholl,
Counselor to the Administrator for Agricultural Policy.
[FR Doc. 08-477 Filed 2-1-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-M