[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 179 (Monday, September 16, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75539-75540]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-20912]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-12171-01-OEJECR]


Notification of Request for Nominations to the National 
Environmental Justice Advisory Council

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Request for nominations to the National Environmental Justice 
Advisory Council (NEJAC).

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites 
nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be 
considered for appointment to its National Environmental Justice 
Advisory Council (NEJAC). The NEJAC was chartered to provide advice 
regarding broad, cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice. 
This notice solicits nominations to fill approximately seven (7) new 
vacancies for terms through February 2026. To maintain the 
representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to 
represent: academia, business and industry; community-based; non-
governmental organizations; State and local governments; and Tribal 
governments and indigenous organizations. We are interested in adding 
members located in all EPA regions. Vacancies are anticipated to be 
filled by January 31, 2025. Sources in addition to this Federal 
Register Notice will be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.

DATES: Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than 
Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Submit nominations electronically with the subject line 
NEJAC Membership 2024 to [email protected]. The Office of Environmental 
Justice and External Civil Rights will acknowledge receipt of 
nominations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula Flores Gregg, NEJAC Designated 
Federal Officer, U.S. EPA; email: [email protected]; telephone: (214) 665-
8123.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NEJAC is a Federal advisory committee 
chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 
92-463. EPA established the NEJAC in 1993 to provide independent 
consensus advice to the EPA Administrator about a broad range of 
environmental issues related to environmental justice. The NEJAC 
conducts business in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(FACA) (5 U.S.C. app. 2) and related regulations. In accordance with 
Executive Order 14035, 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.
    The Council consists of 32 members (including two Co-Chairpersons 
and one Vice-Chairpersons) appointed by EPA's Administrator. Members 
serve as non-Federal stakeholders who represent academia, business and 
industry; community-based organizations; non-governmental/environmental 
organizations; State and local governments; Tribal governments and 
indigenous organizations, of which one member serves as a liaison to 
the National Tribal Caucus. Members are appointed for one (1); two (2) 
or three (3)-year terms with the possibility of reappointment for 
another term.
    The NEJAC usually convenes 4 to 6 times a year, generally meeting 
face-to-face twice (2) a year in the Spring and the Fall and virtually 
for the remaining meetings. Additionally, members will be asked to 
participate in work groups to develop recommendations, advice letters, 
and reports to address specific policy issues. The average workload for 
members is approximately 20 to 25 hours per month, not including public 
meeting hours and with the expectation that the member will take part 
in two (2) or more workgroup activities. EPA provides reimbursement for 
travel and other incidental expenses associated with official 
government business.
    Nominations: Any interested person and/or organization may nominate 
qualified individuals for membership. Individuals are encouraged to 
self-nominate. The EPA values and welcomes opportunities to increase 
diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility on its Federal advisory 
committees and is seeking to obtain nominations from all geographic 
locations of the United States of America. All nominations will be 
fully considered, but applicants need to be aware of the specific 
representation sought as outlined in the summary above. In addition, 
EPA is seeking nominees with knowledge in environmental measures; 
public health/health disparities; water infrastructure and other water 
concerns; climate justice; farmworkers and pesticides; community 
sustainability and resiliency; air quality; youth perspectives; green 
jobs and green infrastructure; land use and equitable development; and 
emerging inclusion of sub-populations such as the unhoused individuals, 
veterans, individuals in the criminal justice system, etc. Other 
criteria used to evaluate nominees will include:
     the background and experience that would help members 
contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the committee (e.g., 
geographic, economic, social, cultural, educational background, 
professional affiliations, and other considerations,
     demonstrated experience with environmental justice and 
community sustainability issues at the national, State, or local level,
     excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills,
     ability to volunteer time to attend meetings 4-6 times a 
year, participate in virtual and in-person meetings, volunteer time to 
take part in two (2) or more workgroup activities, attend listening 
sessions with the Administrator or other senior-level officials, 
develop policy recommendations to the Administrator, and prepare 
reports and advice letters; and
     willingness to commit time to the committee and 
demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively on 
committees. The average workload for members is approximately 20 to 25 
hours per month, not including public meeting hours and with the 
expectation that the member will take part in two (2) or more workgroup 
activities.
    How to Submit Nominations: Any interested person or organization 
may nominate qualified persons to be considered for appointment to this 
advisory committee. Individuals are encouraged to self-nominate. 
Nominations will be submitted in electronic format following the 
template available at https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nominations-nejac. To be considered, all nominations should include:
     Current contact information for the nominee/applicant, 
including the nominee's/applicant's name, organization (and position 
within that organization), current business address, email address, 
telephone numbers and the stakeholder category position you are 
interested in.

[[Page 75540]]

     Brief statement describing the nominee's/applicant's 
interest in serving on the NEJAC.
     R[eacute]sum[eacute] and a short biography describing the 
professional and educational qualifications of the nominee, including a 
list of relevant activities, and any current or previous service on 
advisory committees.
     Brief statements describing experience as it relates to 
engaging affected communities, understanding environmental justice/
relevant issues, consensus building, communication skills and 
availability.
     Letter[s] of recommendation from a third party supporting 
the nomination. Letter[s] should describe how the nominee's experience 
and knowledge will bring value to the work of the NEJAC.

Deeohn Ferris,
Director, Office of Policy, Partnerships, and Program Development, 
Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights.
[FR Doc. 2024-20912 Filed 9-13-24; 8:45 am]
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