[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 58 (Monday, March 25, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20651-20652]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-06201]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL11845-01-OA]


Request for Nominations to Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of request for applications.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites 
applications from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be 
considered for appointment to the Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory

[[Page 20652]]

Council (HBCU-MSI AC). Approximately 15-20 vacancies are expected to be 
filled by Fall 2024. For appointment consideration, nominations should 
be submitted by May 8th, 2024. Sources in addition to this Federal 
Register notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pradnya Bhandari, Designated Federal 
Officer, Office of Public Engagement and Environmental Education, [email protected], telephone 919-937-1989.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council (HBCU-
MSI AC) is a federal advisory committee chartered under the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463. The HBCU-MSI AC was created 
in 2023 by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Office 
of Public Engagement and Environmental Education at the direction of 
the Administrator of EPA. Implementing authority was delegated to the 
Administrator of EPA. The HBCU-MSI AC provides independent advice and 
recommendations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) on how to leverage Historically Black Colleges and 
Universities and Minority Serving Institutions to help diversify the 
agency's workforce and nurture the next generation of environmental 
leaders and ensure that these vital institutions of higher learning 
have the resources and support to continue to thrive for generations to 
come. MSIs are institutions of higher education that serve minority 
populations and include HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), 
Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Pacific 
Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs).
    The HBCU-MSI AC is part of a comprehensive effort to advance equity 
in economic and educational opportunities for all Americans while 
protecting human health and the environment. Members are appointed by 
the EPA Administrator for a two-year term. The HBCU-MSI AC expects to 
meet approximately two to three times a year for in-person, virtual or 
hybrid meetings, subject to the availability of appropriations. Members 
serve on the committee in a voluntary capacity. Although we are unable 
to offer compensation or an honorarium, members may receive travel and 
per diem allowances, according to applicable Federal travel regulations 
and the agency's budget. To learn more about HBCU-MSI AC, please visit 
https://www.epa.gov/faca/historically-black-colleges-and-universities-and-minority-serving-institutions-advisory.
    The EPA is seeking nominations from a variety of sectors including 
but not limited to representatives from business and industry, 
academia, non-governmental organizations, and local, county, and tribal 
governments that have experience working at or in partnership with 
HBCUs and/or MSIs. According to the mandates of FACA, committees are 
required to support diversity across a broad range of constituencies, 
sectors, and groups.
    In accordance with Executive Order 14035 (June 25, 2021) and 
consistent with law, EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase 
diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on its Federal advisory 
committees. EPA's Federal advisory committees strive to have a 
workforce that reflects the diversity of the American people.
    The following criteria will be used to evaluate applicants:
     The HBCU-MSI AC will be composed of approximately 15-20 
members who will generally serve as Representative members of non-
federal interests appointed by the Administrator of EPA.
     Members must have a strong affiliation with HBCUs and/or 
MSIs or the communities represented and served by HBCUs and/or MSIs, 
including through education, work, or partnerships.
     Members must demonstrate a knowledge of the student 
continuum from college to career, preferably through related experience 
with HBCUs and/or MSIs. In selecting members, EPA will consider 
candidates from business and industry, academic institutions, state, 
local and tribal governments, public interest groups, environmental 
organizations, service groups, and more. In determining a fair spread 
across categories, no more than 60% of the advisory committee can come 
from a single categorical entity.
     Members must demonstrate notable commitment to 
environmental issues with extensive involvement, knowledge, or 
engagement with relevant material and/or affected communities.
     Members must demonstrate a working knowledge of Federal, 
state, and local government operations and systems.
     Members must demonstrate a notable commitment to 
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, including for 
underserved communities.
     Members must demonstrate an ability to work in a consensus 
building process with a wide range of representative from diverse 
constituencies.
     Members must be able to contribute approximately 10 to 15 
hours per month to HBCU-MSI AC activities, including the attendance at 
meetings and participating in the development of advice letters/reports 
and other material.
     Members must demonstrate potential for active and 
constructive involvement in HBCU-MSI AC work.
    How to Submit Applications: Any interested person or organization 
may apply to be considered for an appointment to serve on the 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving 
Institutions Advisory Council.
     Applications must include:
    (1) contact information as outlined below:
    [ssquf] Applicants must provide their: full legal name, preferred 
name if applicable, pronouns, date of birth, current home address, and 
phone number.
    (2) resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
    (3) statement of interest explaining why you would like to serve on 
this committee:
    [ssquf] The statement of interest should describe how the nominee's 
background, knowledge, and experience would add value to the 
committee's work, and how the individual's qualifications would 
contribute to the overall diversity of the Historically Black Colleges 
and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Advisory Council. To 
help the Agency in evaluating the effectiveness of its outreach 
efforts, please include in the statement of interest how you learned of 
this opportunity.
    Please be aware that EPA's policy is that, unless otherwise 
prescribed by statute, members generally are appointed for a two-year 
term. For appointment consideration, interested nominees should submit 
the application materials electronically via email to Pradnya Bhandari 
at [email protected], with the subject line HBCU-MSI AC, COMMITTEE 
APPLICATION PACKAGE 2024 for (Name of Nominee) by May 8th, 2024.

Jessica Loya,
Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Public Engagement, Office of 
Public Engagement and Environmental Education, Office of the 
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-06201 Filed 3-22-24; 8:45 am]
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