Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC): Request for Nominations

AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION:

Request for nominations to the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC).

SUMMARY:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC). Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by March 2017. Outside sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice may also be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.

BACKGROUND:

Clean Air Act Advisory Committee provides advice, information and recommendations on policy and technical issues associated with implementation of the Clean Air Act (CAA) as requested by EPA. These issues include the development, implementation, and enforcement of programs required by the Act. The CAAAC will provide advice and recommendations on approaches for new and expanded programs including those using innovative technologies and policy mechanisms to achieve environmental improvements; the potential health, environmental and economic effects of CAA programs on the public, the regulated community, State and local governments, and other Federal agencies; the policy and technical contents of proposed major EPA rulemaking and guidance required by the Act in order to help effectively incorporate appropriate outside advice and information; and the integration of existing policies, regulations, standards, guidelines, and procedures into programs for implementing requirements of the Act.

The programs falling under the purview of the committee include, but are not limited to, those for meeting National Ambient Air Quality Standards, reducing emissions from vehicles and vehicle fuels, reducing air toxic emissions, permitting, carrying out compliance authorities, and CAA-related voluntary activities. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for two-year terms with the possibility of reappointment to additional term(s). The CAAAC usually meets approximately 2-3 times annually and the average workload for the members is approximately 5 to 10 hours per month.

Although EPA is unable to offer compensation or an honorarium for CAAAC members, they may receive travel and per diem allowances, according to applicable federal travel regulations. EPA is seeking nominations from academia, industry, non-governmental/environmental organizations, community organizations, state and local government agencies, tribal governments, unions, trade associations, utilities, and lawyers/consultants. EPA values and welcomes diversity. In an effort to obtain nominations of diverse candidates, EPA encourages nominations of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups.

Evaluation Criteria

The following criteria will be used to evaluate nominees:

• The background and experiences that would help members contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the committee (e.g., geographic, economic, social, cultural, educational, and other considerations)
• Experience serving as an elected official;
• Experience serving as an appointed official for a state, county, city or tribe;
• Experience working on national level or on local government issues;
• Demonstrated experience with air quality policy issues;
• Executive management level experience with membership in broad-based networks;
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to volunteer time for meeting attendance, participate in teleconference meetings, attend listening sessions with the Administrator or other senior-level officials;
• Ability to work with others with varying perspectives to develop policy recommendations to the Administrator, and prepare reports and advice letters.

Nominations must include a resume and a short biography describing the professional and educational qualifications of the nominee, as well as the nominee's current business/home address, email address, and daytime telephone number. Interested candidates may self-nominate. Please note that EPA's policy is that, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, members generally are appointed to two-year terms. To help the Agency in evaluating the effectiveness of our outreach efforts, please also tell us how you learned of this opportunity.

ADDRESSES:

To receive further information about the upcoming nominations, information will be posted at https://www.epa.gov/caaac . Submit nominations (which includes a resume and biography) in writing to caaac@epa.gov by October 31, 2016 and include in the subject line CAAAC Membership 2017.