82 FR 42874 - Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 175 (September 12, 2017)
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 175 (September 12, 2017)
| Page Range | 42874-42875 | |
| FR Document | 2017-19296 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 12, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 42874-42875] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-19296] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice and request for applications. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is establishing a new two-year charter term and accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC). The TEPAC is a trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy matters that have a significant impact on the environment. DATES: USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the TEPAC for the two-year charter term beginning on September 30, 2017, and expiring on September 29, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, [email protected] or 202-395-2864, or Sarah Stewart, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, [email protected] or 202-395-3858. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(1)), authorizes the President to establish individual general trade policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture, services, investment, defense, small business, and other interests, as appropriate, to provide general policy advice. The President delegated that authority to the United States Trade Representative in Executive Order 11846, section 4(d), issued on March 27, 1975. In addition, we anticipate that the President will issue an Executive Order specifically concerning the TEPAC, which will continue its charter for two years. Advisory committees established by the Trade Representative are subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. See 19 U.S.C. 2155(f); 5 U.S.C. App. II. Pursuant to these authorities, the United States Trade Representative intends to establish a new two-year charter term for the TEPAC, which will begin on September 30, 2017 and end on September 29, 2019. The TEPAC is a trade advisory committee established to provide general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy matters that have a significant impact on the environment. More specifically, the TEPAC provides general policy advice on issues including: (1) Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the environmental impact of the implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The TEPAC meets as needed, at the call of the United States Trade Representative or his/her designee, or two-thirds of the TEPAC members, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations [[Page 42875]] and the needs of the United States Trade Representative. II. Membership The TEPAC is composed of not more than 35 members, including, but not limited to, representatives from environmental interest groups, industry (including the environmental technology and environmental services industries), agriculture, academia, consumer groups, services, non-governmental organizations, and others with expertise in trade and environment matters. The United States Trade Representative appoints all TEPAC members for a term of four-years or until the TEPAC charter expires, and they serve at his/her discretion. Individuals can be reappointed for any number of terms. The United States Trade Representative makes appointments without regard to political affiliation and with an interest in ensuring balance in terms of sectors, demographics, and other factors relevant to the USTR's needs. USTR intends for the TEPAC to be broadly representative of key sectors and groups of the economy with an interest in trade and environmental policy issues. TEPAC members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend meetings or otherwise participate in TEPAC activities. The United States Trade Representative appoints TEPAC members to represent their sponsoring U.S. entity's interests on trade and the environment, and thus USTR's foremost consideration for applicants is their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. Other criteria include the applicant's knowledge of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work of the TEPAC and USTR. USTR anticipates that almost all TEPAC members will serve in a representative capacity with a limited number serving in an individual capacity as subject matter experts. These members, known as special government employees, are subject to conflict of interest rules and will have to complete a financial disclosure report. III. Request for Nominations USTR is soliciting nominations for membership on the TEPAC. To apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria: 1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen. 2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. governmental entity. 3. If serving in an individual capacity, the applicant cannot be a federally registered lobbyist. 4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. 5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming majority of the TEPAC, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues relevant to trade and the environment or have personal experience or expertise in trade and the environment. For eligibility purposes, a ``U.S. organization'' is an organization established under the laws of the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the organization's annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources. 7. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding international trade and environmental issues. In order to be considered for TEPAC membership, interested persons should submit the following to Stewart Young at [email protected]:Name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the individual requesting consideration. If applicable, a sponsor letter on the organization's letterhead containing a brief description of the manner in which international trade affects the organization and why USTR should consider the applicant for membership. The applicant's personal resume or comprehensive biography. An affirmative statement that the applicant and the organization he or she represents meet all eligibility requirements. USTR will consider applicants who meet the eligibility criteria based on the following factors: Ability to represent the sponsoring U.S. entity's or U.S. organization's and its subsector's interests on trade and environmental matters; knowledge of and experience in trade and environmental matters relevant to the work of the TEPAC and USTR; and ensuring that the TEPAC is balanced in terms of points of view, demographics, geography, and entity or organization size. Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2017-19296 Filed 9-11-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290-F7-P
![42874 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 12, 2017 / Notices
held public meetings on the Draft EIS in these lands is designed to identify ways TEPAC for the two-year charter term
January 2017 in Knoxville, Chattanooga, to avoid and/or minimize potential beginning on September 30, 2017, and
Manchester, and Paris, Tennessee, and adverse environmental impacts. Based expiring on September 29, 2019.
in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and on the findings of any site-specific FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
accepted comments until January 31, environmental review, TVA may require Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant Trade
2017. the implementation of appropriate Representative for Intergovernmental
TVA received 44 comment mitigation measures, including best Affairs and Public Engagement,
submissions on the Draft EIS and management practices, as conditions of Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov or 202–
provided responses in the Final EIS. approval for land use on the TVA- 395–2864, or Sarah Stewart, Deputy
Most comments pertained to the managed lands. Assistant Trade Representative for
proposed land use allocations of When considering future Environment and Natural Resources,
specific parcels of TVA land. In development of reservoir lands, TVA Sarah_Stewart@ustr.eop.gov or 202–
response to numerous substantive would also comply with other 395–3858.
comments, TVA made revisions and applicable environmental requirements, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
corrections to the EIS. After considering including the Endangered Species Act,
the public’s feedback on the Draft EIS Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and 1. Background
and further internal deliberation, TVA applicable Executive Orders, and ensure Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of
made minor modifications to its that proper agency coordination and 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(1)),
Proposed Land Use Plan Alternative. permitting requirements are met. In authorizes the President to establish
The land use allocations were changed addition, all activities will be conducted individual general trade policy advisory
for 4 parcels and parcel boundaries were in accordance with the stipulations committees for industry, labor,
changed for 41 parcels. Allocation and/ defined in the programmatic agreement agriculture, services, investment,
or acreage changes were made to reflect (PA) between TVA and the State defense, small business, and other
new information or changes in land use Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) of interests, as appropriate, to provide
agreements or changes in back-lying Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the
property ownership, to correct errors or general policy advice. The President
Advisory Council of Historic delegated that authority to the United
omissions, or in response to public Preservation, and federally recognized
comments. States Trade Representative in
Indian tribes, that was established for Executive Order 11846, section 4(d),
The NOA for the Final EIS was implementation of the Natural
published in the Federal Register on issued on March 27, 1975. In addition,
Resources Plan in 2011. Under the we anticipate that the President will
July 21, 2017. In the Final EIS, TVA agreement, TVA will consult with the
identified the Proposed Land Use Plan issue an Executive Order specifically
appropriate SHPO and consulting concerning the TEPAC, which will
Alternative as its preference. Prior to its parties when reviewing plans submitted
August 23, 2017 meeting, the TVA continue its charter for two years.
to TVA. Advisory committees established by the
Board provided opportunity to the
public to comment on the RLMPs and David Bowling, Trade Representative are subject to the
CVLP revision. No comments were Vice President, Land and River Management. provisions of the Federal Advisory
received. [FR Doc. 2017–19310 Filed 9–11–17; 8:45 am]
Committee Act. See 19 U.S.C. 2155(f); 5
U.S.C. App. II.
BILLING CODE 8120–08–P
Decision Pursuant to these authorities, the
On August 23, 2017, the TVA Board United States Trade Representative
approved the eight RLMPs and the intends to establish a new two-year
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES charter term for the TEPAC, which will
revision of the CVLP, thereby adopting TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
the Proposed Land Use Plan Alternative begin on September 30, 2017 and end
of the Final EIS. TVA believes the Notice of Continuation and Request for on September 29, 2019. The TEPAC is
implementation of this plan provides Nominations for the Trade and a trade advisory committee established
suitable opportunities for balancing Environment Policy Advisory to provide general policy advice to the
competing land use demands for natural Committee United States Trade Representative on
and sensitive resource conservation trade policy matters that have a
while providing public lands for AGENCY: Office of the United States significant impact on the environment.
recreational enjoyment as well as Trade Representative. More specifically, the TEPAC provides
supporting recreation and economic ACTION: Notice and request for general policy advice on issues
development goals. This decision applications. including: (1) Negotiating objectives and
incorporates mitigation measures that bargaining positions before entering into
would minimize the potential for SUMMARY: The Office of the United trade agreements; (2) the environmental
adverse impacts to the environment. States Trade Representative (USTR) is impact of the implementation of trade
establishing a new two-year charter term agreements; (3) matters concerning the
Mitigation Measures and accepting applications from operation of any trade agreement once
Because this is a programmatic qualified individuals interested in entered into; and (4) other matters
review, specific measures to reduce serving as a member of the Trade and arising in connection with the
potential environmental impacts on a Environment Policy Advisory development, implementation, and
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
site-specific level were not identified. Committee (TEPAC). The TEPAC is a administration of the trade policy of the
Prior to approving any use of land on trade advisory committee that provides United States.
the eight reservoirs, TVA would general policy advice to the United The TEPAC meets as needed, at the
conduct an appropriate level of site- States Trade Representative on trade call of the United States Trade
specific environmental review to policy matters that have a significant Representative or his/her designee, or
determine the potential environmental impact on the environment. two-thirds of the TEPAC members,
effects of the proposed use. TVA’s DATES: USTR will accept nominations depending on various factors such as
review process for potential actions on on a rolling basis for membership on the the level of activity of trade negotiations
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 12, 2017 / Notices 42875
and the needs of the United States Trade 3. If serving in an individual capacity, matters; knowledge of and experience in
Representative. the applicant cannot be a federally trade and environmental matters
registered lobbyist. relevant to the work of the TEPAC and
II. Membership 4. The applicant cannot be registered USTR; and ensuring that the TEPAC is
The TEPAC is composed of not more with the U.S. Department of Justice balanced in terms of points of view,
than 35 members, including, but not under the Foreign Agents Registration demographics, geography, and entity or
limited to, representatives from Act. organization size.
environmental interest groups, industry 5. The applicant must be able to
Stewart Young,
(including the environmental obtain and maintain a security
clearance. Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative
technology and environmental services for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public
industries), agriculture, academia, 6. For representative members, who
Engagement, Office of the United States Trade
consumer groups, services, non- will comprise the overwhelming Representative.
governmental organizations, and others majority of the TEPAC, the applicant
[FR Doc. 2017–19296 Filed 9–11–17; 8:45 am]
with expertise in trade and environment must represent a U.S. organization
BILLING CODE 3290–F7–P
matters. The United States Trade whose members (or funders) have a
Representative appoints all TEPAC demonstrated interest in issues relevant
members for a term of four-years or until to trade and the environment or have OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES
the TEPAC charter expires, and they personal experience or expertise in TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
serve at his/her discretion. Individuals trade and the environment. For
can be reappointed for any number of eligibility purposes, a ‘‘U.S. Determination Under the African
terms. The United States Trade organization’’ is an organization Growth and Opportunity Act
Representative makes appointments established under the laws of the United
States, that is controlled by U.S. AGENCY: Office of the United States
without regard to political affiliation
citizens, by another U.S. organization Trade Representative.
and with an interest in ensuring balance
in terms of sectors, demographics, and (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or ACTION: Notice; correction.
other factors relevant to the USTR’s entities), determined based on its board
SUMMARY: The Office of the United
needs. USTR intends for the TEPAC to of directors (or comparable governing
States Trade Representative (USTR)
be broadly representative of key sectors body), membership, and funding
published a document in the Federal
and groups of the economy with an sources, as applicable. To qualify as a
Register of August 22, 2017, providing
interest in trade and environmental U.S. organization, more than 50 percent
notice of its determination that Togo has
policy issues. of the board of directors (or comparable
adopted an effective visa system and
TEPAC members serve without either governing body) and more than 50
related procedures to prevent the
compensation or reimbursement of percent of the membership of the
unlawful transshipment of textile and
expenses. Members are responsible for organization to be represented must be
apparel articles and the use of
all expenses they incur to attend U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S.
counterfeit documents in connection
meetings or otherwise participate in entities. Additionally, at least 50
with the shipment of such articles, and
TEPAC activities. percent of the organization’s annual
has implemented and follows, or is
The United States Trade revenue must be attributable to
making substantial progress towards
Representative appoints TEPAC nongovernmental U.S. sources.
7. For members who will serve in an implementing and following, the
members to represent their sponsoring custom procedures required by the
U.S. entity’s interests on trade and the individual capacity, the applicant must
possess subject matter expertise African Growth and Opportunity Act
environment, and thus USTR’s foremost (AGOA), and therefore, imports of
consideration for applicants is their regarding international trade and
environmental issues. eligible products from Togo qualify for
ability to carry out the goals of section the textile and apparel benefits provided
In order to be considered for TEPAC
135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as under the AGOA. This notice corrects
membership, interested persons should
amended. Other criteria include the an error in that document.
submit the following to Stewart Young
applicant’s knowledge of and expertise FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
at Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov:
in international trade issues as relevant • Name, title, affiliation, and contact Constance Hamilton, Acting Assistant
to the work of the TEPAC and USTR. information of the individual requesting United States Trade Representative for
USTR anticipates that almost all TEPAC consideration. African Affairs, (202) 395–9514 or
members will serve in a representative • If applicable, a sponsor letter on the Constance_Hamilton@ustr.eop.gov.
capacity with a limited number serving organization’s letterhead containing a SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
in an individual capacity as subject brief description of the manner in which
matter experts. These members, known Correction
international trade affects the
as special government employees, are organization and why USTR should In the Federal Register of August 22,
subject to conflict of interest rules and consider the applicant for membership. 2017, in FR Doc. 2017–17705, 82 FR
will have to complete a financial • The applicant’s personal resume or 39940–41, on page 39941, in the first
disclosure report. comprehensive biography. column, correct the last paragraph of the
III. Request for Nominations • An affirmative statement that the notice to read as follows:
applicant and the organization he or she Accordingly, pursuant to the
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1
USTR is soliciting nominations for represents meet all eligibility authority vested in the USTR in
membership on the TEPAC. To apply requirements. Proclamation 7350, U.S. note 7(a) to
for membership, an applicant must meet USTR will consider applicants who subchapter II of chapter 98 of the HTS,
the following eligibility criteria: meet the eligibility criteria based on the is modified by inserting ‘‘Togo’’ in
1. The applicant must be a U.S. following factors: Ability to represent alphabetical sequence in the list of
citizen. the sponsoring U.S. entity’s or U.S. countries, and U.S. notes 1 and 2(d) to
2. The applicant cannot be a full-time organization’s and its subsector’s subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTS
employee of a U.S. governmental entity. interests on trade and environmental are modified to add in numerical
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Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:14:38
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:14:38
| 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 and request for applications. | |
| Dates | USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the TEPAC for the two-year charter term beginning on September 30, 2017, and expiring on September 29, 2019. | |
| Contact | Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, [email protected] or 202-395-2864, or Sarah Stewart, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, [email protected] or 202-395-3858. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 42874 |
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