[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 8, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14327-14328]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-04703]


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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 to 
AAQTF.

DATES: Nominations due: We will consider nominations that are 
postmarked by May 8, 2023.

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 send 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 agricultural air quality issues. 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. 
10., apply to AAQTF.

[[Page 14328]]

    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 with the information to 
provide oversight and coordination related to agricultural air quality.

AAQTF Membership

    USDA expects AAQTF to meet two to three times each year, with 
meetings held at various locations across the United States. AAQTF 
members 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 members representing a broad spectrum of individuals 
with interest and expertise in agricultural air quality issues. This 
includes, but is not limited to, agricultural producers, 
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, except while away from home 
or regular place of business, members 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 5 U.S.C. 5703.
    Additional information about AAQTF is available at: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/air.

Member Nominations

    Any interested person or organization may nominate qualified 
individuals for 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 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.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.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.

USDA Non-Discrimination Policy

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights 
regulations and policies, USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, 
and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are 
prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, 
religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual 
orientation, disability, age, marital status, family or parental 
status, income derived from a public assistance program, political 
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in 
any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 
apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by 
program or incident.
    Individuals who require alternative means of communication for 
program information (for example, braille, large print, audiotape, 
American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or 
USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) 
or dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text 
telephone users can initiate this call from any telephone). 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA's 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 will include to the extent 
possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
minorities, women, and person with disabilities.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/how-to-file-a-program-discrimination-complaint and 
at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in 
the letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy 
of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form 
or letter to USDA by mail to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of 
the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-9410 or email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: February 28, 2023.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2023-04703 Filed 3-6-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P