[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 8, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55411-55412]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19783]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Request for Nominations to the Task Force on Agricultural Air 
Quality Research

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of request for nominations to the Task Force on 
Agricultural Air Quality Research.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture invites nominations of qualified 
candidates to be considered for a 2-year term on the Task Force on 
Agricultural Air Quality Research, typically referred to as the 
Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF) established by the Federal 
Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to provide 
recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on agricultural air 
quality issues. This notice solicits nominations for membership on 
AAQTF.

DATES: 
    Applicable: September 8, 2020.
    Nominations due: We will consider nominations that are postmarked 
by November 9, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Submit nominations to Greg Zwicke, Designated Federal 
Officer, Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, West National Technology Support Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, 
Building A, Suite 314B, Fort Collins, CO 80526; or sent by email to: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Zwicke; telephone: (970) 295-
5621; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

AAQTF Purpose

    Section 391 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act 
of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-127, 7 U.S.C. 5405) requires the Chief of the 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to establish a task force 
to address air agricultural quality issues. AAQTF first met in 1996 and 
was active through 2016. AAQTF advises the Secretary of Agriculture on 
the role of the Secretary for providing oversight and coordination 
related to agricultural air quality.
    The requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. 
App. 2, apply to AAQTF.
    AAQTF will:
    1. Strengthen vital research efforts related to agricultural air 
quality;
    2. Determine the extent to which agricultural activities contribute 
to air pollution;
    3. Determine cost-effective ways in which the agricultural industry 
can improve air quality;
    4. Coordinate and ensure intergovernmental cooperation on research 
activities related to agricultural air quality issues to avoid 
duplication, and ensure data quality and sound interpretation of data; 
and
    5. Advise the Secretary of Agriculture so the Secretary has the 
information to provide oversight and coordination about agricultural 
air quality.

AAQTF Membership

    AAQTF expects to meet two to three times each year, with meetings 
held at various locations across the United States. Each AAQTF member 
will serve for a term of 2 years, starting with the date of appointment 
to AAQTF. The Chief of NRCS serves as Chair of AAQTF. AAQTF is composed 
of U.S. citizens representing a broad spectrum of individuals with 
interest and expertise in agricultural air quality issues. This 
includes, but is not limited to, representatives from the agricultural 
production and processing sector, as well as those from academia, 
agribusiness, regulatory organizations, environmental organizations, 
and local or State agencies.
    Nominees to AAQTF will be evaluated on a number of criteria, 
including expertise in or experience with agricultural air quality 
research, agricultural production, and air quality environmental or 
regulatory issues.
    Serving as an AAQTF member will not constitute employment by, or 
the holding of an office of the United States for the purpose of any 
Federal law. Persons selected for membership on AAQTF will not receive 
compensation from NRCS for their service as Task Force members. Members 
will be eligible for travel expenses paid by NRCS while away from home 
or regular place of business, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence, which will be at the same rate as a person employed 
intermittently in the government service, under 5 U.S.C. 5703.
    Additional information about the AAQTF may be found at: http://www.airquality.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/air/taskforce/.

Member Nominations

    Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified 
individuals for AAQTF membership. Interested candidates may nominate 
themselves. Previous nominees and AAQTF members who wish to be 
considered for membership on AAQTF must submit a new nomination with 
updated

[[Page 55412]]

information, including a new background disclosure form (Form AD-755).
    Nominations should be typed and include the following:
    1. A brief summary, no more than two pages, explaining the 
nominee's qualifications to serve on AAQTF and addressing the criteria 
described above.
    2. A resume providing the nominee's background, experience, and 
educational qualifications.
    3. A completed background disclosure form (Form AD-755) signed by 
the nominee. The form is available on-line at: https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755-Approved_Master-exp-3.31.22_508.pdf.
    4. Any recent publications by the nominee relative to air quality 
(if appropriate).
    5. Letter(s) of endorsement (optional).
    Send nominations to Greg Zwicke, Designated Federal Officer, 
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, West 
National Technology Support Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, 
Suite 314B, Fort Collins, CO 80526; or email to: [email protected]. 
The Designated Federal Officer will acknowledge receipt of nominations.
    Equal opportunity practices, in line with the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) policies, will be followed in all appointments to 
AAQTF. To ensure that the recommendations of AAQTF have taken into 
account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership 
should include, to the extent practicable, individuals with 
demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with 
disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

    USDA prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the 
basis of race, sex, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, 
sexual orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination on the 
basis of political beliefs and marital status or family status is also 
prohibited by statutes enforced by USDA (not all prohibited bases apply 
to all programs). Persons with disabilities who require alternate means 
for communication of program information should contact USDA's 
Technology and Accessible Resources Give Employment Today Center at 
(202) 720-2600. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

    Dated: August 31, 2020.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2020-19783 Filed 9-4-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P