[Federal Register: August 12, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 155)] [Notices] [Page 44009-44010] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr12au99-61] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL-6419-8] Request for Applications for the National Environmental Education Advisory Council Due Date: September 24, 1999. AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Section 9(a) and (b) of the National Environmental Education Act of 1990 (PL-101-619) mandates a National Environmental Education Advisory Council. The Advisory Council provides advice, consults with, and makes recommendations to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on matters relating to the activities, functions, and policies of EPA under the Act. EPA is requesting nominations of candidates for membership on the Council. The Act requires that the Council be comprised of eleven (11) members appointed by the Administrator of EPA, after consultation with the Secretary of U.S. Department of Education. Members represent a balance of perspectives, professional qualifications, and experience. The Act [[Page 44010]] specifies that members must represent the following: Primary and secondary education (one of whom shall be a classroom teacher)--two members. Colleges and universities--two members. Not-for-profit organizations involved in environmental education--two members. State departments of education and natural resources--two members. Business and industry--two members. Senior Americans--one member. Members are chosen to represent the various geographic regions of the country, and the Council shall have minority representation. The professional backgrounds of Council members include scientific, policy, and other appropriate disciplines. Each member of the Council shall hold office for a one (1) to three (3) year period, which runs from November to November of each calender year. 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. There are currently five (5) vacancies on the Advisory Council that must be filled. Business and Industry--one vacancy (Nov. 1999-Nov. 2002). College and University--one vacancy (Nov. 1999-Nov. 2002). State Department of Education--one vacancy (Nov. 1999-Nov. 2002). Non-Profit Organization--one vacancy (Nov. 1999-Nov. 2002). Primary/Secondary Education (must be an in-service classroom teacher)--one vacancy (Nov. 1999-Nov. 2002). EPA particularly seeks candidates with demonstrated experience and/ or knowledge in any of the following environmental education issue areas: Integrating environmental education into state and local education reform and improvement; State, local and tribal level capacity building; Cross-sector partnerships; leveraging resources for environmental education; Design and implementation of environmental education research Professional development for teachers and other education professionals; and Targeting under-represented audiences, including low- income and multi-cultural audiences, senior citizens, and other adults. Additional Considerations: The Council is looking for individuals who demonstrate the following: Ability to make the time commitment. Strong leadership skills. Strong analytical and writing skills. Ability to stand apart and evaluate programs in an unbiased fashion. Team players. Conviction to follow through and to meet deadlines. Ability to review items on short notice. DATES: Applications to fill the existing vacancies on the Council must be submitted no later than September 24, 1999. The application must include the following: Name/address/phone/e-mail of applicant. 1-2 page resume (Please do not exceed 2 pages.) Two (2) letters of support for the applicant. One (1) page statement of ``How the candidate is qualified.'' This must not exceed one (1) page. One (1) page statement by the applicant on his/her personal perspective on environmental education. This must not exceed one (1) page. ADDRESSES: Submit nominations to Ginger Keho, Advisory Council Coordinator, Office of Environmental Education, Office of Communications, Education and Media Relations (1704), U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW., Washington, DC 20460. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ginger Keho at the above address, or call (202) 260-4129. E-mail address: keho.ginger@epamail.epa.gov SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 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. Dated: July 30, 1999. David L. Cohen, Acting Associate Administrator, Office of Communications, Education and Media Relations. [FR Doc. 99-20870 Filed 8-11-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560-50-P