December 19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary 1

National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology 

(NACEPT) Meeting (Teleconference)

Thursday, December 19, 2013

12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. EST

William Jefferson Clinton Building East, Room 1132

1201 Constitution Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 

MEETING SUMMARY (FINAL)

Welcome, Introductions and Overview of the Agenda

Mark Joyce, Acting Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for the National Advisory Council for 

Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); 

Denise Benjamin-Sirmons, Director, Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee Management and Outreach 

(ODACMO), EPA;

Cynthia Jones-Jackson, Deputy Director, ODACMO, EPA; and

William Ross, Jr., NACEPT Chair, Visiting Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke 

University

Mr. Mark Joyce (NACEPT Acting DFO) welcomed the Council members participating via

teleconference. He expressed his appreciation to the NACEPT workgroup members for their diligent 

efforts in meeting a challenging deadline to produce an excellent draft of comments in response to the

Fiscal Year (FY) 2014-2018 EPA Draft Strategic Plan. The workgroup was chaired by Mr. Howard 

Learner (NACEPT Vice-Chair; Environmental Law and Policy Center), and he was assisted by 

workgroup members Mr. Robert Kerr (Pure Strategies, Inc.), Dr. Ronald Meissen (Baxter International, 

Inc.), Dr. Olufemi Osidele (Southwest Research Institute) and Ms. Alison Taylor (Siemens Corporation).

Mr. Joyce emphasized that the Agency welcomes the Council’s comments, and the draft highlights 

several key issues for consideration. He explained that the purpose of the call was to discuss the draft 

letter and incorporate any additional material or revisions deemed appropriate by the Council members. 

The goal of the meeting was to approve the advice letter so it could be sent forward to the Administrator 

after the final revisions.

Mr. Joyce explained that during the meeting, the NACEPT members could raise and discuss any

substantive issues with the content of the draft comments. Provided that the Council members agree on 

the proposed substantive revisions, the letter could be approved, adopted and submitted to the 

Administrator. All editorial changes would be completed prior to finalizing the letter.

Ms. Cynthia Jones-Jackson also commended the Council members, especially Mr. Learner and the 

drafting team, for their hard work and quick turnaround in producing the advice letter. She thanked Mr. 

William Ross, Jr. (NACEPT Chair; Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University) and Mr.

Learner for their leadership. Ms. Jones-Jackson informed the Council members that she would be retiring 

on December 31, 2013, and this was to be her final NACEPT meeting. She thanked all of the Council 

members for their accomplishments, and she expressed confidence that the excellent work would 

continue. She noted that it had been a pleasure and an honor to work with each NACEPT member. Ms. 

Jones-Jackson explained that her father’s health problems as well as some health issues of her own led to 

this decision, and she was ready to open a new chapter in her life and career. 
2 December19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary

Mr. Ross thanked Ms. Jones-Jackson for her assistance and leadership with the Council, and he expressed 

well wishes for her health and future. He mentioned that during her 40 years with the federal service 

following her cum laude graduation from Howard University, Ms. Jones-Jackson had been a terrific 

leader in many diversity outreach engagements. On behalf of the Council, Mr. Ross reiterated his best 

wishes and thanked Ms. Jones-Jackson for her outstanding service. Mr. Learner and other Council 

members present echoed Mr. Ross’ comments, and Ms. Jones-Jackson thanked the Council members for 

their encouraging words. 

Mr. Eugene Green (ODACMO, EPA) called the roll and noted the public attendees for the record. Having 

exceeded the quorum of 11 members, the Council began deliberations on the comments. Given that the

members were participating by teleconference, Mr. Ross reminded the participants to identify themselves 

prior to speaking. He encouraged all of the attendees to provide feedback on the letter, including

comments, observations or questions about the content as written.

Mr. Joyce stated that the final date for submission of public comments in response to the Draft Strategic 

Plan is January 3, 2014. The NACEPT’s final draft is due back to Mr. Joyce by December 30, 2013, to 

allow time to introduce the letter into the control correspondence system and official docket. 

Discussion of NACEPT Comments on the FY 2014-2018 EPA Draft Strategic Plan

Howard Learner, NACEPT Vice-Chair, Executive Director, Environmental Law and Policy, Chicago, IL; 

Workgroup Members; and NACEPT Members

Mr. Learner recognized the workgroup members for their efforts in developing an expedited response to 

the Strategic Plan. He welcomed suggestions for improving the existing content of the letter as well as 

additional points that should be included. The Council reviewed the draft letter, page by page, and the 

comments are summarized below.

Page 1:

Mr. Joyce stated that the first line should read: “National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and 

Technology.” He noted several additional editorial corrections, which he agreed to send to Mr. Learner in 

a tracked-changes document following the meeting.

Mr. Ross commented that he was pleased that sustainability was woven frequently into different elements 

of the Draft Strategic Plan, which reflects many previous NACEPT recommendations (as well as

recommendations on endocrine disruptors). He recommended that the Council incorporate a sentence into 

one of the opening paragraphs of the advice letter praising the Draft Strategic Plan. Mr. Learner 

suggested that the following sentence be added to the end of the first paragraph: “We believe this draft FY

2014-2018 Draft Strategic Plan points in the right direction and provides an effective strategic course 

moving forward.” Mr. Learner sent the sentence to Mr. Ross via email for review and amendment.

Ms. Bridgett Luther (Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute) suggested adding a comment to 

encourage the inclusion of the NACEPT’s definition of sustainability within the Draft Strategic Plan.

Mr. Learner commented that the Agency appeared to have decided against adopting a specific definition 

of sustainability in favor of reflecting sustainable principles in various strategies throughout the plan. He 

recommended that the Council refrain from pushing the Agency to adopt its definition of sustainability. 

Mr. Learner mentioned that the Council could include a reference to a previous advice letter on 

sustainability for the Agency to consider as it finalizes the Draft Strategic Plan. Ms. Luther thought it 

would be a good idea to reinforce the NACEPT’s definition of sustainability. Mr. Ross expressed support 

for the inclusion of a definition of sustainability in the introduction, which drove the Strategic Plan 

process. Mr. Learner suggested including the following sentence: “We appreciate the Administrator’s 

consideration of the NACEPT’s earlier advice letter on sustainability and the recommendations provided 
December 19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary 3

therein,” including the specific date and exact name of the advice letter referenced. Ms. Luther agreed 

with the suggested solution. All agreed.

Page 2:

Mr. Ross suggested that the “APG” acronym be spelled out as “Agency Priority Goals” upon first 

mention.

Mr. Ross noted that the end of the second bullet includes a discussion of the sustainability cross-cutting 

strategy, and he suggested that another APG be included to develop and implement the sustainability 

action plans that would encourage sustainability progress for each of the five goal areas. Mr. Kerr 

commented that a goal related to sustainability indicators was referenced on page 50 of the Strategic 

Plan. Mr. Ross explained that a new Cross-Program: Sustainability APG was described on page 86, 

which read: “Advance sustainability by collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders to select 

sustainability indicators that can be widely understood and that can help drive the diverse public and 

private actions that are essential for achieving the long-term environmental quality.” Mr. Kerr mentioned 

that it would be challenging to determine how sustainable principles could be implemented within the 

Agency’s rigid regulatory responsibilities. Mr. Ross acknowledged his concern, but explained that the 

Agency can determine the best way to address the challenge. Adding the sustainability APG would 

provide another performance goal to advance sustainability within the Agency, and it deserves to be 

presented with the other APGs instead of being relegated to an asterisk on the final page of the Draft 

Strategic Plan. A participant agreed with Mr. Ross that establishing a goal that relies on the achievement 

and alignment of the other five goals is a smart way to proceed to help EPA transition from the traditional 

focus on regulation to the broader principles of sustainability. Later, Mr. Ross referenced page 48 of the 

Sustainability Plan, which read: “For each of these strategies, the Agency will develop annual action 

plans with commitments that align with existing planning, budget, and accountability processes, and that 

support EPA’s research and development agenda as appropriate.” Mr. Ross suggested that annual action 

plans be required as a performance goal. Mr. Learner suggested adding the following sentence to the end 

of the second bullet: “The Agency also considers the possibility of making sustainability a specific APG 

for those areas of decision making where EPA has sufficient regulatory discretion and in its nonregulatory programs.” He sent preliminary language to Mr. Ross via email and welcomed any revisions. 

Mr. Learner noted that he was incorporating changes into the NACEPT advice letter during the discussion 

and would send the revised document to the Council members via email. He requested that any purely 

editorial comments be sent to him following the meeting.

Page 3:

Mr. Kurt Erichsen (Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments) appreciated the comment about

the need to mention city and community planning in Goal 3 of the Strategic Plan (second bullet). A key 

consideration is repurposing and reuse of core city land, which relates directly to sustainability. 

Mr. Erichsen noted that one issue missing from Goal 2 (first bullet) is an acknowledgement of harmful 

algal blooms, such as those that occur on Lake Erie. In the past, algal blooms were viewed as an 

ecological nuisance and water quality problem, but the toxins also threaten water safety and supplies.

Mr. Learner suggested that Mr. Erichsen develop a sentence about how EPA can address algal blooms 

and nitrate pollution, with a reference to Lake Erie similar to the reference to Chicago in the next bullet. 

Mr. Erichsen clarified that the Great Lakes are referenced on page 70 of the Strategic Plan with regard to 

safe water. Previously, E. coli have been an issue with water safety, but toxins add a new dimension to 

safe water. Mr. Erichsen agreed to provide Mr. Learner with language to include on page 3, Goal 2: 

Protecting America’s Waters of the NACEPT advice letter. Mr. Learner suggested that the language read: 

“In addition, the Obama administration has made restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem a priority 

strategy and focus for action. There are both longstanding historic pollution problems that need to be 
4 December19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary

addressed and newly emerging problems such as algal blooms.” Mr. Learner solicited Mr. Erichsen’s 

email address and sent him the updated draft NACEPT advice letter.

Ms. Luther commended the acknowledgment of hazards in Goal 4. 

Dr. Fernando Abruña (Sustainable Architecture) noted that light pollution was not addressed in the 

Sustainability Plan, and he suggested that it be reflected in the NACEPT’s comments as light pollution is

an issue in both cities and rural areas. Mr. Learner asked if light pollution should be a priority for the 

Agency. Mr. Ross stated that light pollution could be added to the bullet on promoting sustainable and 

livable communities, and Dr. Abruña indicated that it would be a good fit in Goal 3 or the following 

bullet (after the Chicago example of clean energy) on page 3 of the NACEPT advice letter. Mr. Learner 

agreed to modify the text on page 3 to read: “...transportation options, light pollution, and parks, open 

space and healthy foods.” [Note: Mr. Learner and Mr. Ross later realized that this particular edit was not 

appropriate because it would be modifying what the City of Chicago had identified as its priorities.]

Page 4:

Mr. Ross suggested the inclusion of another cross-cutting strategy related to partnerships. EPA is entering 

a new era of state, local and tribal partnerships. He noted that the cross-cutting strategy would be more 

powerful if it included additional categories of partnerships, such as collaborations with other federal 

agencies (e.g., the Department of Defense [DOD]) and regional partnerships, which already have 

demonstrated effectiveness. Many regional efforts could benefit from EPA’s active increase in support 

and participation. Mr. Kerr agreed with the suggestion and also recommended augmenting the list of 

partnerships on page 50 of the Strategic Plan. Mr. Ross emphasized that partnerships help EPA

accomplish its sustainability goals. Mr. Learner commented that a useful place to reference the 

importance of partnerships would be in the cross-cutting strategy of communities, which could recognize

the interagency Partnership of Sustainable Communities, comprised of EPA, the Department of Housing 

and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). Mr. Ross agreed to draft a 

bullet following the meeting to indicate the importance of adding additional categories of partnerships to 

the cross-cutting strategy on partnerships. The text will be added to page 4 of the NACEPT advice letter, 

following the bullet on nanomaterials. 

Ms. Luther commented on the use of “should” and “could” throughout the NACEPT advice letter. She 

suggested changing the language to “should” in the penultimate (“EPA should work with many 

groups...”) and final bullet on page 4 (“EPA should consider...”) to strengthen the recommendations. Mr. 

Learner explained that the intent was to advise rather than direct the Administrator, and “could” was 

chosen deliberately instead of “must” or “should” in several places. Mr. Kerr noted that “should consider” 

was present throughout the advice letter already. Mr. Ross declared that the word selection be left to the 

discretion of the drafting team for case-by-case consideration, and Mr. Learner agreed to review the 

advice letter for consistent usage of the words throughout.

Dr. Osidele suggested emphasizing the importance of research to the penultimate bullet on page 4 that 

addressed education. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) program launched a research 

program to investigate sustainable topics, which was successful in accelerating university research. 

Dr. Meissen suggested that rather than replace an example present in the bullet, the NSF illustration could 

be added to the bullet to indicate how engineering and sustainability programs could be supported by 

research. Mr. Learner supported including the additional example, and Dr. Osidele agreed to provide the 

text to be added

Ms. Ondrea Barber (Gila River Indian Community) sent several comments by email to Mr. Learner, who 

noted that the second issue raised could not be addressed easily in several sentences. He agreed that tribes 

should be added to references of states and cities, and he incorporated those revisions on page 3 of the 
December 19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary 5

NACEPT advice letter. Ms. Barber stated that tribes will be sending a separate comment letter in response 

to the Draft Strategic Plan. 

Public Comments

William Ross, Jr., NACEPT Chair, Visiting Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke 

University

Mr. Ross called for public comments and none were offered.

Concluding Announcements and Next Steps

William Ross, Jr., NACEPT Chair, Visiting Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke 

University

Mr. Ross reflected that there appeared to be a concurrence of support for submission of the advice letter 

with the changes discussed, with the understanding that Mr. Learner and the drafting team would 

endeavor to incorporate the revisions, finalize the advice letter and send it to Mr. Joyce by 

December 30, 2013. Mr. Ross asked if any NACEPT members were uncomfortable proceeding with the 

advice letter as drafted, and no concerns were raised. Mr. Ross commended Mr. Learner for his excellent 

leadership in completing the draft letter during the busy holiday season. He also expressed gratitude to the 

workgroup for their efforts. 

Mr. Learner noted that the new draft incorporates comments made by the NACEPT members during the 

meeting and indicates where additional text should be inserted. As soon as he receives the necessary text 

from Mr. Joyce, Mr. Ross, Dr. Osidele and Mr. Erichsen, he will perform a final edit to ensure 

consistency throughout the document and send the draft to the Council members for review. Mr. Joyce 

added that a final review will be conducted by ODACMO staff to ensure the letter is free from factual and 

editorial errors. 

Ms. Jones-Jackson thanked the participants for their efforts and introduced Ms. Denise BenjaminSirmons, ODACMO Director. Ms. Benjamin-Sirmons echoed the appreciation for the Council members’

excellent work under the expedited timeframe. She commented that she has reviewed previous NACEPT 

reports and is relying on one now as she works to develop the Agency’s diversity and inclusion efforts. 

Ms. Benjamin-Sirmons wished the participants happy holidays and said that she was eager to work with 

the Council in the coming year. Mr. Ross added that the NACEPT members were looking forward to 

working with Ms. Benjamin-Sirmons. He encouraged the ODACMO staff to consider funding a face-toface meeting for the NACEPT in the coming year, as teleconferences can be challenging.

Ms. Jones-Jackson publically recognized the ODACMO staff, including Mr. Joyce, Ms. Stephanie 

McCoy and Mr. Green, for their efforts. She underscored the diligent efforts that are required to plan 

Council meetings and work closely with each workgroup to develop recommendations and advice for the 

Administrator. Ms. Jones-Jackson also expressed appreciation to The Scientific Consulting Group 

contractor, Dr. Jennifer McCulley, for producing the NACEPT meeting summaries.

Mr. Joyce provided an update on the NACEPT’s Advice Letter on the Social Pillar of Sustainability. He 

noted that the Council is awaiting further guidance from the Agency about the focus of the advice letter, 

which likely will be provided early in the new year. 

Mr. Green explained that the NACEPT membership process was lengthy, and although it had been 

initiated during the summer, the government shutdown delayed the process. The current Council terms 

end on February 24, 2014. Mr. Green anticipates that the membership process will be finalized in 

February 2014, following the Administrator’s approval.
6 December19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary

Dr. Osidele moved to adopt the advice letter with the changes discussed. The motion was seconded, and 

the motion to accept the advice letter passed unanimously. 

The NACEPT members wished each other happy holidays and expressed appreciation for each other’s 

contributions to the Council’s efforts.

Mr. Joyce requested that Mr. Ross and Mr. Learner remain on the call following the adjournment to 

discuss administrative matters, including the timing and finalization of the advice letter. 

Mr. Ross asked for any final thoughts or observations. There being none, he adjourned the meeting at 

1:30 p.m. EST. 
December 19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary 7

Action Items

 Mr. Learner will incorporate the discussion comments and revisions into the draft advice letter.

 NACEPT members will send any additional suggestions for specific word changes for the draft 

advice letter to Mr. Learner by December 20, 2013. These comments/revisions should be in the form 

of a tracked changes document.

 Mr. Learner will incorporate the changes and distribute a final copy to the Council members for 

review.

 The NACEPT will finalize the advice letter and send it to Mr. Joyce by December 30, 2013, to allow 

processing time prior to the January 3, 2014, deadline for public comments.
8 December19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary

National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT)

Meeting Participants

NACEPT Members

Dr. Fernando Abruña

Architect

Sustainable Architecture 

Abruña and Musgrave, Architects

San Juan, PR

Ms. Ondrea Barber

Executive Director

Department of Environmental Quality

Gila River Indian Community

Sacaton, AZ

Mr. John P. DeVillars

Managing Partner

BlueWave Capital, LLC

TRC Companies, Inc.

Boston, MA

Mr. Kurt Erichsen

Vice President

Environmental Planning

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of 

Governments

Toledo, OH

Ms. Deeohn Ferris

President

Sustainable Community Development Group

Washington, D.C.

Mr. Robert Kerr

Co-Founder and Principal 

Pure Strategies, Inc.

Reston, VA

Mr. Howard Learner (NACEPT Vice-Chair)

Executive Director

Environmental Law and Policy Center

Chicago, IL

Ms. Bridgett Luther

President 

Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute 

San Francisco, CA

Dr. Ronald Meissen

Senior Director of Sustainability

Baxter International, Inc.

Deerfield, IL

Dr. Olufemi Osidele

Senior Research Engineer

Geosciences and Engineering Division

Southwest Research Institute 

San Antonio, TX

Dr. Edith A. Parker

Professor and Head

Department of Community and Behavioral 

Health

College of Public Health

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

Mr. William G. Ross (NACEPT Chair)

Visiting Professor

Nicholas School of the Environment

Duke University

Durham, NC

Mr. Yalmaz Siddiqui

Senior Director

Environmental Strategy

Office Depot

Boca Raton, FL

NACEPT Acting Designated Federal Officer

Mr. Mark Joyce

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Diversity, Advisory Committee

Management and Outreach (ODACMO)

William Jefferson Clinton Building (1601M)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 564-2130

Email: joyce.mark@epa.gov
December 19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary 9

EPA Participants

Denise Benjamin-Sirmons

Director, ODACMO

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

William Jefferson Clinton Building (1601M)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 564-6771

Email: benjamin-sirmons.denise@epa.gov

Eugene Green

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

William Jefferson Clinton Building (1601M)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 564-2432

Email: green.eugene@epa.gov

Cynthia Jones-Jackson

Deputy Director, ODACMO

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

William Jefferson Clinton Building (1601M)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 564-2321

Email: jones-jackson.cynthia@epa.gov

Stephanie McCoy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

William Jefferson Clinton Building (1601M)

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20460

Phone: (202) 564-7297

Email: mccoy.stephanie@epa.gov

Other Participants

Mike Kendall

Team Leader

Atwell, LLC

Charleston, TN

David LaRoss

Inside EPA

Washington, D.C.

Bob Oliphint

Luminant Power

Dallas, TX

Justin Vickers

Environmental Law and Policy Center

Chicago, IL

Contractor Support

Jennifer McCulley

The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc.

656 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 210

Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Phone: (301) 670-4990

Email: jmcculley@scgcorp.com
10 December19, 2013, National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT) Meeting Summary

Chair Certification

I, William Ross, Chair for the National 

Advisory Council for Environmental 

Policy and Technology (NACEPT) certify

the meeting minutes for April 4, 2013 

(video/teleconference) are complete and 

accurately reflect the discussions and 

decisions of said meeting.

__________________________________

William Ross, NACEPT Chair

Date: 3/10/14