[Federal Register: October 28, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 209)]
[Notices]
[Page 63980-63981]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28oc08-66]
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-8734-8]
EPA Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental
Education Staff Office; Request for Nominations of Candidates for the
National Environmental Education Advisory Council
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency)
Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education
Staff
[[Page 63981]]
Office is soliciting applications of environmental education
professionals for consideration on the National Environmental Education
Advisory Council (NEEAC). There are currently two vacancies on the
Advisory Council that must be filled: one State Department of Education
(2009-2012); one Primary and Secondary Education (2009-2012).
Additional avenues and resources may be utilized in the solicitation of
applications.
DATES: Applications should be submitted by November 21, 2008 per
instructions below.
ADDRESSES: Submit non-electronic application materials to Ginger
Potter, Designated Federal Officer, National Environmental Education
Advisory Council, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of
Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education (MC:1704A),
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460, Ph: 202-564-0453,
FAX: 202-564-2754, e-mail: potter.ginger@epa.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information regarding this Request
for Nominations, please contact Ms. Ginger Potter, Designated Federal
Officer (DFO), EPA National Environmental Education Advisory Council,
at potter.ginger@epa.gov or (202) 564-0453. General information
concerning NEEAC can be found on the EPA web site at: http://
www.epa.gov/enviroed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: Section 9(a) and (b) of the National Environmental
Education Act of 1990 (Pub. L. L-101-619) mandates a National
Environmental Education Advisory Council. The Advisory Council provides
the Administrator with advice and recommendations on EPA implementation
of the National Environmental Education Act. In general, the Act is
designed to increase public understanding of environmental issues and
problems, and to improve the training of environmental education
professionals. EPA will achieve these goals, in part, by awarding
grants and/or establishing partnerships with other Federal agencies,
state and local education and natural resource agencies, not-for-profit
organizations, universities, and the private sector to encourage and
support environmental education and training programs. The Council is
also responsible for preparing a national biennial report to Congress
that will describe and assess the extent and quality of environmental
education, discuss major obstacles to improving environmental
education, and identify the skill, education, and training needs for
environmental professionals.
The National Environmental Education Act requires that the Council
be comprised of eleven (11) members appointed by the Administrator of
EPA. Members represent a balance of perspectives, professional
qualifications, and experience. The Act specifies that members must
represent the following sectors: primary and secondary education (one
of whom shall be a classroom teacher)--two members; colleges and
universities--two members; business and industry--two members; non
profit organizations involved in environmental education--two members;
state departments of education and natural resources--one member each;
senior Americans--one member. Members are chosen to represent various
geographic regions of the country, and the Council strives for a
diverse representation. The professional backgrounds of Council members
should include education, science, policy, or other appropriate
disciplines. Each member of the Council shall hold office for a one (1)
to three (3) year period. Members are expected to participate in up to
two (2) meetings per year and monthly or more conference calls per
year. Members of the Council shall receive compensation and allowances,
including travel expenses, at a rate fixed by the Administrator.
Expertise Sought: The NEEAC staff office seeks candidates with
demonstrated experience and/or knowledge in any of the following
environmental education issue areas: (a) Integrating environmental
education into state and local education reform and improvement; (b)
state, local and tribal level capacity building; (c) cross-sector
partnerships; (d) leveraging resources for environmental education; (e)
design and implementation of environmental education research; (f)
evaluation methodology; professional development for teachers and other
education professionals; and (g) targeting under-represented audiences,
including low-income, multi-cultural, senior citizens and other adults.
The NEEAC staff office is also looking for individuals who
demonstrate the ability to make the time commitment, strong leadership
skills, strong analytical skills, strong communication and writing
skills, the ability to stand apart and evaluate programs in an unbiased
manner, team players, have the conviction to follow-through and to meet
deadlines, and the ability to review items on short notice.
How to Submit Applications: Any interested and qualified
individuals may be considered for appointment on the National
Environmental Education Advisory Council. Applications should be
submitted in electronic format to the Designated Federal Officer
potter.ginger@epa.gov) and contain the following: contact information
including name, address, phone and fax numbers and an e-mail address; a
curriculum vita or resume; the specific area of expertise in
environmental education and the sector/slot the applicant is applying
for; recent service on other national advisory committees or national
professional organizations and; a one-page commentary on the
applicant's philosophy regarding the need for, development,
implementation and/or management of environmental education nationally.
Additionally, a supporting letter of endorsement is required. This
letter may also be submitted electronically as described above.
Persons having questions about the application procedure or who are
unable to submit applications by electronic means, should contact
Ginger Potter, DFO, at the contact information provided above in this
notice. Non-electronic submissions must contain the same information as
the electronic. The NEEAC Staff Office will acknowledge receipt of the
application. The NEEAC Staff Office will develop a short list for more
detailed consideration. Short list candidates will be required to fill
out the Confidential Disclosure Form for Special Government Employees
Serving Federal Advisory Committees at the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA Form 3110-48). This confidential form allows
government officials to determine whether there is a statutory conflict
between that person's public responsibilities (which include membership
on a Federal advisory committee) and private interests and activities
and the appearance of a lack of impartiality as defined by Federal
regulation. The form may be viewed and downloaded from the following
URL address: http://www.epa.gov/sab/pdf/epaform3110-48.pdf.
Dated: October 10, 2008.
Ginger Potter,
Designated Federal Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-25687 Filed 10-27-08; 8:45 am]
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