81 FR 8197 - National Environmental Justice Advisory Council

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 32 (February 18, 2016)

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 six (6) new vacancies for terms through September 2019. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent: grassroots community-based organizations (2 vacancies); non- governmental/environmental organizations (2 vacancies); State government agencies (1 vacancy); and business and industry (1 vacancy). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by July 2016. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice also may be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 32 (Thursday, February 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8197-8198]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03405]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9942-51-OECA]


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 six (6) new 
vacancies for terms through September 2019. To maintain the 
representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to 
represent: grassroots community-based organizations (2 vacancies); non-
governmental/environmental organizations (2 vacancies); State 
government agencies (1 vacancy); and business and industry (1 vacancy). 
Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by July 2016. Sources in 
addition to this Federal Register Notice also may be utilized in the 
solicitation of nominees.

DATES: Nominations should be submitted in time to arrive no later than 
Friday, April 15, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Submit nominations electronically with the subject line 
NEJAC Membership 2016 to [email protected]. You also may submit 
nominations by mail to: Karen L. Martin, NEJAC Project Manager, Office 
of Environmental Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 
Pennsylvania Avenue NW., (MC 2201A), Washington, DC 20460. Non-
electronic submissions must follow the same format and contain the same 
information. The Office of Environmental Justice will acknowledge 
receipt of nominations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Tejada, Designated Federal 
Officer for the NEJAC, U.S. EPA; telephone (202) 564-8047; fax: (202) 
564-1624.

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.
    The Council consists of 28 members (including a Chairperson) 
appointed by EPA's Administrator. Members serve as non-federal 
stakeholders representing: six (6) from academia, two (2) from business 
and industry; six (6) from community based organizations; seven (7) 
from non-governmental/environmental organizations; four (4) from state 
and local governments; and three (3) from tribal governments and 
indigenous organizations, of which one member serves as a liaison to 
the National Tribal Caucus. Members are appointed for three (3)-year 
terms with

[[Page 8198]]

the possibility of reappointment to a second term.
    The NEJAC usually meets face-to-face twice a year, generally in the 
Spring and the Fall. Additionally, members may be asked to participate 
in teleconference meetings or serve on work groups to develop 
recommendations, advice letters, and reports to address specific policy 
issues. The average workload for members is approximately 5 to 8 hours 
per month. 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. The EPA values and welcomes 
diversity. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, 
the agency encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and 
ethnic groups. 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 community sustainability, public health and health disparities, 
climate change adaptation, land use and equitable development, 
environmental sociology and social science, and environmental 
financing.
    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 2-3 times a 
year, participate in teleconference meetings, 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.
    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 can be submitted in electronic format (preferred) following 
the template available at http://www3.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/nejac/index.html#membership. To be considered, all nominations should 
include:
     Current contact information for the nominee, including the 
nominee's name, organization (and position within that organization), 
current business address, email address, and daytime telephone number.
     Brief Statement describing the nominees interest in 
serving on the NEJAC
     R[eacute]sum[eacute] and a short biography (no more than 2 
paragraphs) describing the professional and educational qualifications 
of the nominee, including a list of relevant activities, and any 
current or previous service on advisory committees
     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.
    Other sources, in addition to this Federal Register notice, may 
also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees. To help the EPA in 
evaluating the effectiveness of its outreach efforts, please tell us 
how you learned of this opportunity.

    Dated: February 5, 2016.
Matthew Tejada,
Designated Federal Officer, National Environmental Justice Advisory 
Council.
[FR Doc. 2016-03405 Filed 2-17-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P