80 FR 45643 - Establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment and Solicitation for Nominations for Membership
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 147 (July 31, 2015)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 147 (July 31, 2015)
| Page Range | 45643-45644 | |
| FR Document | 2015-18781 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 147 (Friday, July 31, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 45643-45644] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-18781] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment and Solicitation for Nominations for Membership AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment and solicitation for nominations for membership. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Commerce has determined that the establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment (Committee) is necessary and in the public interest. Accordingly, NOAA has chartered the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment. NOAA is also soliciting nominations for membership on the Committee. The Committee's mission is to provide advice on sustained National Climate Assessment activities and products to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (Under Secretary) who will forward the advice to the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). The Committee's scope is--as requested by the Under Secretary--to advise on the engagement of stakeholders and on sustained assessment activities and the quadrennial National Climate Assessment report. Points of View: Individuals are sought with expertise in communications, engagement, and education; risk management and risk assessment; economics and social sciences; technology, tools, and data systems; and other disciplines relevant to the sustained National Climate Assessment process. In addition, individuals are sought with expertise in climate change and variability, spanning the range from climate science (physical, biological, chemical) to impacts and societal responses. Individuals with experience in the private sector, academia, public sector, non-governmental organizations, [[Page 45644]] and others will all be given consideration. Nominations: Interested persons may nominate themselves or third parties. Applications: An application is required to be considered for membership, regardless of whether a person is nominated by a third party or self-nominated. The application package must include: (1) The nominee's full name, title, institutional affiliation, and contact information; (2) the nominee's area(s) of expertise; (3) a short description of his/her qualifications relative to the kinds of advice being solicited by NOAA in this Notice; and (4) a current resume (maximum length four pages). Information obtained as a result of this request may be used by the government for program planning on a non- attribution basis. Do not include any information that might be considered proprietary or confidential. If selected, members will be appointed as special government employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethical standards applicable to SGEs. They will also be asked to certify that they are not required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, and that they are not Federally-registered lobbyists. DATES: Nominations should be submitted via the web address specified below and must be received by forty-five (45) days after this notice is published. ADDRESSES: Applications should be submitted electronically via http://globalchange.gov/notices. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Emily Therese Cloyd, NCA Public Participation and Engagement Coordinator, U.S. Global Change Research Program Office, Telephone (202) 223-6262, Fax (202) 223-3064, Email [email protected]. For more information on the NCA process, please visit http://assessment.globalchange.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), the principal program responsible for coordinating and integrating U.S. federal research on climate change. Under the Global Change Research Act of 1990, the USGCRP is responsible for producing the National Climate Assessment, the last iteration of which was published in May 2014. The USGCRP is now building a process to ensure all future assessments are responsive to stakeholder needs, scientifically credible and conducted in an efficient manner, coordinating the efforts of partners both inside and outside of the government. It is the goal of the USGCRP to create a sustainable assessment process that involves networks of participants in regions and sectors across the country in addition to engaging federal scientists in multiple agencies. This will enable assessment activities and products to address national, regional, sectoral, and topical needs over time and to serve important policy and science objectives. Establishing an ongoing, consistent, and replicable approach to assessment of current and projected climate impacts and climate-related risk will help identify opportunities as well as hazards associated with changes in climate conditions. It will also support U.S. contributions to international assessment, adaptation and mitigation programs. This information can be used to prioritize federal activities that support adaptation and mitigation decisions in the federal government as well as within states, regions, and sectors and to continuously reassess priorities for federal science investments. The Committee will consist of non-government experts who will advise on the engagement of stakeholders and on sustained assessment activities and the quadrennial National Climate Assessment report. Within the scope of its mission, the Committee's specific objective is to provide advice on a sustained National Climate Assessment process that: 1. Integrates, evaluates, and interprets the findings of the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and discusses the scientific uncertainties with such findings; 2. Analyzes the effects of current and projected climate change upon ecosystems and biological diversity, agriculture, energy production and use, land and water resources, transportation, human health and welfare, and social systems, including in a regional context; 3. Analyzes current trends in global change, both human-induced and natural, and projects major trends for the subsequent 25 to 100 years; 4. Is a continuing, inclusive National process that synthesizes relevant science and information about changes in the Earth system as they affect the Nation's climate, and about how such changes relate to and interact with changes in social, economic, ecological, and technological systems; 5. Addresses risk-based vulnerabilities for business and industry as related to the impacts of weather and climate variations and changes; and 6. Supports climate-related decisions by providing information in formats that are useful to decision support. To assure a balanced representation of views among preeminent scientists, engineers, educators, and other experts reflecting the full scope of issues addressed in the National Climate Assessment and/or relevant to the sustained national assessment process, the Committee will consist of fifteen (15) non-Federal members. The Under Secretary, in consultation with the Director of OSTP, shall select and appoint members. Members will be selected for appointment on a clear and standardized basis in accordance with Department of Commerce guidance. Each member shall be appointed for a term of one, two, or three years and shall serve at the discretion of the Under Secretary. Thereafter, members may be reappointed for successive terms of two years. To the extent possible, not more than one-third of the total membership shall change in any one year. Members will be appointed as special government employees (SGEs) and will be subject to the ethical standards applicable to SGEs. Members are reimbursed for actual and reasonable travel and per diem expenses incurred in performing such duties, but will not be reimbursed for their time. As a Federal Advisory Committee, the Committee's membership is required to be balanced in terms of viewpoints represented and the functions to be performed as well as the interests of geographic regions of the country and the diverse sectors of U.S. society. The Committee is expected to meet in person at least once each year, plus additional teleconferences or subgroup meetings. Committee members must be willing to serve as liaisons to Committee subgroups and/or participate in reviews and activities as requested by the Under Secretary. The Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment will function solely as an advisory body and in compliance with provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Copies of the charter will be filed with the appropriate Committees of the Congress and with the Library of Congress. Dated: July 27, 2015. Christine Blackburn, Deputy Chief of Staff, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2015-18781 Filed 7-30-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 147 / Friday, July 31, 2015 / Notices 45643
submitted by the commenter may be during the initial public comment Dated: July 27, 2015.
publicly accessible. Do not submit period. As a result, NOAA is now Perry F. Gayaldo,
Confidential Business Information or soliciting public comment, via this Deputy Director, Office of Protected
otherwise sensitive or protected second public comment period, on this Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
information. revised version of the draft guidance [FR Doc. 2015–18790 Filed 7–30–15; 8:45 am]
NMFS will accept anonymous that incorporates these changes. BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
comments (enter N/A in the required
fields, if you wish to remain Updated sections can be found in the
anonymous). You may submit following locations: (1) A summary of
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
attachments to electronic comments in the updated draft acoustic threshold
Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or levels and marine mammal auditory National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Adobe PDF file formats only. weighting functions is in the main body Administration
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
of the document, with additional details
provided in Appendix A (Navy Establishment of the Advisory
Amy Scholik-Schlomer, Office of
Technical Report); (2) NOAA’s proposed Committee for the Sustained National
Protected Resources, 301–427–8449,
methodology for defining threshold Climate Assessment and Solicitation
Amy.Scholik@noaa.gov.
usage for sources characterized as for Nominations for Membership
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NOAA has
developed draft guidance for assessing ‘‘impulsive’’ or ‘‘non-impulsive’’ is in AGENCY: National Oceanic and
the effects of anthropogenic sound on Section 2.3.1 of the main document, Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
the hearing of marine mammal species with additional details in Appendix C; Commerce.
under NOAA’s jurisdiction (i.e., whales, (3) a new appendix identifying research ACTION: Notice of establishment of the
dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea recommendations and data gaps in Advisory Committee for the Sustained
lions). Specifically, the guidance response to comments submitted during National Climate Assessment and
identifies the received levels, or the initial public comment period is solicitation for nominations for
thresholds, above which individual Appendix D; and a new appendix membership.
marine mammals are predicted to providing optional alternative
experience changes in their hearing methodology for user groups unable to SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that
sensitivity (either temporary or apply the guidance’s more complex the Secretary of Commerce has
permanent) for all underwater acoustic threshold levels and auditory determined that the establishment of the
anthropogenic sound sources. This weighting functions is Appendix E. Advisory Committee for the Sustained
guidance is intended to be used by National Climate Assessment
Before the guidance is finalized,
NOAA analysts and managers and other (Committee) is necessary and in the
NOAA will address substantive public public interest. Accordingly, NOAA has
relevant user groups and stakeholders,
comments received from the initial chartered the Advisory Committee for
including other federal agencies, when
seeking to determine whether and how public comment period, as well as from the Sustained National Climate
their activities are expected to result in this second public comment period. Assessment. NOAA is also soliciting
particular types of impacts to marine Therefore, NOAA encourages the public nominations for membership on the
mammals via acoustic exposure. The to currently focus comments on the Committee.
document outlines NOAA’s updated revised and new sections of the The Committee’s mission is to
acoustic threshold level, describes in document. We are particularly provide advice on sustained National
detail how the thresholds were interested in identification of any Climate Assessment activities and
developed, and explains how they will additional datasets for inclusion in the products to the Under Secretary of
be updated in the future. NOAA assessment, comments on our proposed Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere
published a Federal Register Notice on methodology for transitioning from (Under Secretary) who will forward the
December 27, 2013, announcing the ‘‘impulsive’’ to ‘‘non-impulsive’’ advice to the Director of the Office of
availability of the draft guidance and a acoustic threshold levels, and Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
30-day public comment period (78 FR evaluation of the methodology The Committee’s scope is—as requested
78822), which was extended another 45 associated with updated marine by the Under Secretary—to advise on
days based upon public request on mammal auditory weighting functions the engagement of stakeholders and on
January 29, 2014 (79 FR 4672). Please and acoustic thresholds. sustained assessment activities and the
refer to these Federal Register Notices quadrennial National Climate
The guidance is classified as a Highly Assessment report.
for additional background about the
Influential Scientific Assessment by the Points of View: Individuals are sought
draft guidance.
While NOAA was in the process of Office of Management and Budget. As with expertise in communications,
evaluating and addressing public such, independent peer review is engagement, and education; risk
comments, the U.S. Navy updated its required prior to broad public management and risk assessment;
methodology for the development of dissemination by the Federal economics and social sciences;
marine mammal auditory weighting Government. NOAA recently conducted technology, tools, and data systems; and
functions and acoustic threshold levels. two independent peer reviews in other disciplines relevant to the
NOAA evaluated the proposed association with the revised draft sustained National Climate Assessment
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
methodology and preliminarily guidance (in addition to the peer review process. In addition, individuals are
determined that it reflects the best on the first draft of the guidance). sought with expertise in climate change
available science. Accordingly, we have Details of both peer reviews can be and variability, spanning the range from
incorporated it into our draft guidance. found within the draft guidance and at climate science (physical, biological,
NOAA also re-evaluated its methods for the following Web site: http:// chemical) to impacts and societal
defining threshold usage for sources www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/acoustics/. responses. Individuals with experience
characterized as ‘‘impulsive’’ or ‘‘non- in the private sector, academia, public
impulsive’’ based on comments received sector, non-governmental organizations,
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![45644 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 147 / Friday, July 31, 2015 / Notices
and others will all be given government. It is the goal of the 6. Supports climate-related decisions
consideration. USGCRP to create a sustainable by providing information in formats that
Nominations: Interested persons may assessment process that involves are useful to decision support.
nominate themselves or third parties. networks of participants in regions and To assure a balanced representation of
Applications: An application is sectors across the country in addition to views among preeminent scientists,
required to be considered for engaging federal scientists in multiple engineers, educators, and other experts
membership, regardless of whether a agencies. This will enable assessment reflecting the full scope of issues
person is nominated by a third party or activities and products to address addressed in the National Climate
self-nominated. The application package national, regional, sectoral, and topical
Assessment and/or relevant to the
must include: (1) The nominee’s full needs over time and to serve important
sustained national assessment process,
name, title, institutional affiliation, and policy and science objectives.
the Committee will consist of fifteen
contact information; (2) the nominee’s Establishing an ongoing, consistent, and
(15) non-Federal members. The Under
area(s) of expertise; (3) a short replicable approach to assessment of
Secretary, in consultation with the
description of his/her qualifications current and projected climate impacts
and climate-related risk will help Director of OSTP, shall select and
relative to the kinds of advice being
solicited by NOAA in this Notice; and identify opportunities as well as hazards appoint members.
(4) a current resume (maximum length associated with changes in climate Members will be selected for
four pages). Information obtained as a conditions. It will also support U.S. appointment on a clear and
result of this request may be used by the contributions to international standardized basis in accordance with
government for program planning on a assessment, adaptation and mitigation Department of Commerce guidance.
non-attribution basis. Do not include programs. This information can be used Each member shall be appointed for a
any information that might be to prioritize federal activities that term of one, two, or three years and
considered proprietary or confidential. support adaptation and mitigation shall serve at the discretion of the Under
If selected, members will be decisions in the federal government as Secretary. Thereafter, members may be
appointed as special government well as within states, regions, and reappointed for successive terms of two
employees (SGEs) and will be subject to sectors and to continuously reassess years. To the extent possible, not more
the ethical standards applicable to priorities for federal science than one-third of the total membership
SGEs. They will also be asked to certify investments. shall change in any one year. Members
that they are not required to register The Committee will consist of non- will be appointed as special government
under the Foreign Agents Registration government experts who will advise on employees (SGEs) and will be subject to
Act, and that they are not Federally- the engagement of stakeholders and on the ethical standards applicable to
registered lobbyists. sustained assessment activities and the SGEs. Members are reimbursed for
DATES: Nominations should be quadrennial National Climate actual and reasonable travel and per
submitted via the web address specified Assessment report. Within the scope of diem expenses incurred in performing
below and must be received by forty- its mission, the Committee’s specific such duties, but will not be reimbursed
five (45) days after this notice is objective is to provide advice on a for their time. As a Federal Advisory
published. sustained National Climate Assessment Committee, the Committee’s
ADDRESSES: Applications should be process that: membership is required to be balanced
submitted electronically via http:// 1. Integrates, evaluates, and interprets in terms of viewpoints represented and
globalchange.gov/notices. the findings of the U.S. Global Change the functions to be performed as well as
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Research Program (USGCRP) and the interests of geographic regions of the
Emily Therese Cloyd, NCA Public discusses the scientific uncertainties country and the diverse sectors of U.S.
Participation and Engagement with such findings; society.
Coordinator, U.S. Global Change 2. Analyzes the effects of current and The Committee is expected to meet in
Research Program Office, Telephone projected climate change upon person at least once each year, plus
(202) 223–6262, Fax (202) 223–3064, ecosystems and biological diversity, additional teleconferences or subgroup
Email ecloyd@usgcrp.gov. For more agriculture, energy production and use, meetings. Committee members must be
information on the NCA process, please land and water resources, willing to serve as liaisons to Committee
visit http:// transportation, human health and subgroups and/or participate in reviews
assessment.globalchange.gov. welfare, and social systems, including and activities as requested by the Under
in a regional context; Secretary.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The U.S.
Global Change Research Program 3. Analyzes current trends in global The Advisory Committee for the
(USGCRP), the principal program change, both human-induced and Sustained National Climate Assessment
responsible for coordinating and natural, and projects major trends for will function solely as an advisory body
integrating U.S. federal research on the subsequent 25 to 100 years; and in compliance with provisions of
climate change. Under the Global 4. Is a continuing, inclusive National the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Change Research Act of 1990, the process that synthesizes relevant Copies of the charter will be filed with
USGCRP is responsible for producing science and information about changes the appropriate Committees of the
the National Climate Assessment, the in the Earth system as they affect the Congress and with the Library of
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
last iteration of which was published in Nation’s climate, and about how such Congress.
May 2014. The USGCRP is now building changes relate to and interact with
changes in social, economic, ecological, Dated: July 27, 2015.
a process to ensure all future
assessments are responsive to and technological systems; Christine Blackburn,
stakeholder needs, scientifically 5. Addresses risk-based Deputy Chief of Staff, National Oceanic and
credible and conducted in an efficient vulnerabilities for business and industry Atmospheric Administration.
manner, coordinating the efforts of as related to the impacts of weather and [FR Doc. 2015–18781 Filed 7–30–15; 8:45 am]
partners both inside and outside of the climate variations and changes; and BILLING CODE 3510–22–P
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 12:59:41
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 12:59:41
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of establishment of the Advisory Committee for the Sustained National Climate Assessment and solicitation for nominations for membership. | |
| Contact | Emily Therese Cloyd, NCA Public Participation and Engagement Coordinator, U.S. Global Change Research Program Office, Telephone (202) 223-6262, Fax (202) 223-3064, Email [email protected] For more information on the NCA process, please visit http://assessment.globalchange.gov. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 45643 |
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