[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 209 (Tuesday, October 28, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63980-63981]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25687]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8734-8]


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

[[Page 63981]]

Office is soliciting applications of environmental education 
professionals for consideration on the National Environmental Education 
Advisory Council (NEEAC). There are currently two vacancies on the 
Advisory Council that must be filled: one State Department of Education 
(2009-2012); one Primary and Secondary Education (2009-2012). 
Additional avenues and resources may be utilized in the solicitation of 
applications.

DATES: Applications should be submitted by November 21, 2008 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 CONTACT: 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; (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 specific 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 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.epa.gov/sab/pdf/epaform3110-48.pdf.

    Dated: October 10, 2008.
Ginger Potter,
Designated Federal Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-25687 Filed 10-27-08; 8:45 am]
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