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###### Environmental Protection Agency

          - [FRL-8928-1]

# AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency.

# ACTION:

Notice.

# SUMMARY:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency) Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education Staff Office is soliciting applications  of environmental education professionals for consideration on the National Environmental  Education Advisory Council (NEEAC). There are currently three vacancies on the Advisory  Council that must be filled: one State Department of Education (2009-2012); one Primary and Secondary Education (2009-2012) and one senior American (2009-2012). Additional avenues and resources may be utilized in the solicitation of applications.

# DATES:

Applications should be submitted by August 24, 2009 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; nonprofit 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)                           ( print page 32607)                        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: June 24, 2009.

Ginger Potter,

Designated Federal Officer.

[FR Doc. E9-16073 Filed 7-7-09; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P