EPA Seeks Nominations For New Agriculture Advisory Committee
News Date November 20, 2007
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) formally announced in the November 15 Federal Register a request for member nominations to the first-ever Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee.
The new committee is part of the agency's efforts to strengthen relations with the agriculture community. The panel is being formed under the guidelines of EPA's National Strategy for Agriculture, and it will advise the EPA administrator on environmental policy issues impacting farms, ranches and rural communities. It will operate under the rules of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
The committee will meet approximately twice yearly and is intended to consist of approximately 25 members representing: (1) large and small farmers, ranchers and rural communities; (2) rural suppliers, marketers and processors; (3) academics and researchers who study environmental issues impacting agriculture; (4) tribal agricultural groups; and (5) environmental and conservation groups. USDA and other federal agencies will also be invited to nominate members. EPA expects to make a decision on membership by early January.
The Federal Register notice on request for nominations is available at the following address: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-22380.htm
(Contact: Charlie Ingram)