[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59097-59099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-15982]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-12076-01-OA]


Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC); 
Call for Nominations

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice request for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is inviting 
nominations for membership on the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities 
Advisory Committee (FRRCC). The purpose of the FRRCC is to provide 
policy advice, information, and recommendations to the EPA 
Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are 
of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

DATES: To be considered for 2024 appointments, nominations should be

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submitted no later than September 5, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Submit nominations electronically with the subject line 
``FRRCC Membership 2024'' to [email protected].
    General information regarding the FRRCC can be found on the EPA 
website at: www.epa.gov/faca/frrcc. General information about federal 
advisory committees at EPA is available at www.epa.gov/faca.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Venus Welch-White, designated 
federal officer for the FRRCC, U.S. EPA, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 
Mail Code 1101A, Washington, DC 20460; telephone number: 202-564-7719; 
email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    EPA established the FRRCC in 2008 pursuant to the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, in order to help EPA build a more 
positive and proactive relationship with the agricultural industry in 
furtherance of EPA's mission to protect human health and the 
environment. The FRRCC serves as part of EPA's efforts to expand 
cooperative working relationships with the agriculture community and 
others who are interested in agricultural issues and achieving greater 
progress in environmental protection. The FRRCC provides advice and 
recommendations to the EPA Administrator on environmental issues and 
programs that impact, or are of concern to, farms, ranches, and rural 
communities. Topics addressed may include climate change, water or air 
quality issues, pesticides, toxics, food loss and waste, environmental 
justice, emergency response, enforcement and compliance, technology and 
innovation, and other topics of environmental importance pertaining to 
agriculture and rural communities. The charter for the FRRCC was 
renewed in January 2024. EPA is currently seeking members for the 
committee, who will be appointed for two- or three-year terms and may 
be eligible for reappointment. The membership of this committee will 
include a balanced representation of interested persons with relevant 
experience to contribute to the functions of the committee, and will be 
drawn from relevant sectors, including but not limited to academia, 
agricultural industry, nongovernmental organizations, and state, local, 
and tribal governments.
    The full committee expects to meet approximately twice a year, or 
as needed and approved by the designated federal officer (DFO). 
Meetings will be hybrid, with the in person conducted in Washington, 
DC, and/or within the EPA regions. The Administrator may ask members to 
serve on subcommittees and workgroups to develop reports and 
recommendations to address specific policy issues, reflecting the 
priorities of the administration. The average workload for members is 
approximately five hours per month. 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.

II. Eligibility

    Because of the nature of the issues to be discussed, it is the 
intent of the Agency for the majority of Committee members- to be 
actively engaged in farming or ranching. The membership of this 
committee will include a balanced representation of interested persons 
with relevant experience to contribute to the functions of the 
committee and will be drawn from a variety of relevant sectors. Members 
may represent farmers, ranchers, and rural communities (can include 
large, small, crop, livestock, commodity, and specialty producers from 
various regions)--and their allied industries (farm groups, rural 
suppliers, marketers, processors, etc.) as well as the academic/
research community who research environmental issues impacting 
agriculture, tribal agriculture groups, state, local, and tribal 
government, and environmental/conservation and other nongovernmental 
organizations. Individuals are generally appointed to serve on the 
FRRCC as ``Representative'' members and are thus expected to represent 
the points of view of a particular group (e.g., an industry sector), 
rather than provide independent judgment and expertise. Other Federal 
agencies and other sectors as appropriate may be invited to attend or 
provide presentations at committee meetings as non-members.
    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 have a workforce that 
reflects the diversity of the American people.
    In selecting committee members, EPA will consider each candidate's 
qualifications including, but not limited to, on whether the candidate 
is:

 Is actively engaged in farming
 Occupies a senior position within their organization
 Holds leadership positions in ag-related organizations, 
businesses and/or workgroups
 Has broad agricultural experience regardless of their current 
position
 Has experience working on issues where building consensus is 
necessary
 Has membership in professional societies, broad-based networks 
or the equivalent
 Has extensive experience in the environmental field dealing 
with agricultural issues
 Provides services to producers
 Is involved in processing, retailing, manufacturing, and 
distribution of agricultural products
 Possesses a professional knowledge of agricultural issues and 
environmental policy
 Possesses a demonstrated ability to examine and analyze 
complicated environmental issues with objectivity and integrity
 Possesses excellent interpersonal as well as oral and written 
communication skills
 Possesses an ability and willingness to participate in a 
deliberative and collaborative process

    In addition, well-qualified applicants must be prepared to process 
a substantial amount of complex and technical information and the 
ability to volunteer several hours per month to the committee's 
activities, including participation in teleconference meetings and 
preparation of text for committee reports.

III. Nominations

    Any interested person or organization may submit the names of 
qualified persons, including themselves. To be considered, all 
nominations should include the information requested below:
     Current contact information for the nominee, including the 
nominee's name, organization (and position within that organization), 
business address, email address, and daytime telephone number(s).
     A brief statement describing the nominee's interest and 
availability in serving on the FRRCC. Please also include the following 
information, as available: (1) The nominee's ability to serve as a 
``Representative'' member and represent the point of view of a group 
(e.g., an industry sector) rather than provide independent judgment and 
expertise; (2) if the nominee has any prior/current service on Federal

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advisory committees, and the number of years.
     R[eacute]sum[eacute] or curriculum vitae detailing the 
nominee's background, experience and qualifications and other relevant 
information.
    Letters of support and recommendation will be accepted but are not 
mandatory. To help the agency evaluate the effectiveness of its 
outreach efforts, please indicate how you learned of this nomination 
opportunity.
    Other sources, in addition to this Federal Register notice, may be 
utilized in the solicitation of nominees. EPA expressly values 
diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages the nominations of 
interested individuals from diverse backgrounds. Individuals may self-
nominate.

Venus Welch-White,
Acting Deputy Director, Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2024-15982 Filed 7-19-24; 8:45 am]
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