Charter

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY CHARTER

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee

1. Committee's Official Designation (Title):

Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee.

2. Authority:

This charter renews the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee ( FRRCC) in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App. 2. The FRRCC is in the public interest and supports EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities.

3. Objectives and Scope of Activities:

The FRRCC is a policy-oriented committee that will provide policy advice, information, and recommendations to the Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities.

It is intended that the members of the committee will address specific topics of unique relevance to agriculture as identified by the Agricultural Counselor to the Administrator, such as approaches to addressing agricultural non-point source pollution, complex agricultural air issues, and ecosystems services markets, in such a way as to provide thoughtful advice and useful insights to the Agency as it crafts environmental policies and programs that affect and engage agriculture and rural communities.

4. Description of Committee's Duties:

The duties of the FRRCC are solely to provide advice to EPA.

5. Official(s) to Whom the Committee Reports:

The FRRCC will report its policy advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator through the Agricultural Counselor.

6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support:

EPA's Office of Cooperative Environmental Management, Office of the Administrator will be responsible for financial and administrative support.

7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Person-Years:

The estimated annual operating cost of the FRRCC is $420,000 which includes 2.0 person-years of support.

8. Designated Federal Officer:

A full-time or permanent part-time employee of EPA will be appointed as the DFO. The DFO or a designee will be present at all meetings and each meeting will be conducted in accordance with an agenda approved in advance by the DFO. The DFO is authorized to adjourn any meeting when he or she determines it is in the public interest to do so.

9. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:

FRRCC expects to meet approximately two (2) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every six (6) months or as needed and approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). Meetings will generally be held in Washington, DC. EPA may pay travel and per diem expenses when determined necessary and appropriate.

As required by FACA, the FRRCC will hold open meetings unless the Administrator determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection c of section 552b of title 5, United States Code. Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the FRRCC.

10. Duration and Termination:

The FRRCC will be examined annually and will exist until the EPA determines that the Committee is no longer needed. This charter will be in effect for two years from the date it is filed with Congress. After this two year period, the charter may be renewed as authorized in accordance with Section 14 of FACA.

11. Member Composition:

The FRRCC will be composed of approximately twenty-five (25) members who will serve as Representative members of non-federal interests or Regular Government Employees (RGEs). Members are selected to represent the points of view held by specific organizations, associations, or classes of individuals. Individuals who are actively engaged in farming or ranching will be encouraged to apply. In selecting members, EPA will consider candidates from academia, industry (e.g., farm groups and allied industries), non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.

12. Subgroups:

EPA, or the FRRCC with EPA's approval, may form subcommittees or workgroups for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees or workgroups may not work independently of the chartered Committee and must report their recommendations and advice to the chartered Committee for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered committee nor can they report directly to the EPA.

13. Recordkeeping:

The records of the committee, formally and informally established subcommittees, or other subgroups of the committee, shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 26, Item 2 or other approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.

January 19, 2010
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Agency Approval Date

January 27, 2010
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GSA Consultation Date

February 19, 2010
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Date Filed with Congress

Charter

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