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DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION |
NUMBER: 1042-126 |
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SUBJECT: Task Force on Agriculture Air
Quality Research |
DATE: October 2, 2008 |
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OPI: Natural Resources Conservation Service |
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1. PURPOSE
This regulation renews
the "Agricultural Air Quality Task Force” (AAQTF). It is being renewed due
to the requirement of Section 391 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and
Reform Act (FAIR) Act, which directs the Chief of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) to establish an advisory committee to address
agricultural air quality issues. The Chief of NRCS is responsible for preparing
the following charter under Section 9 (c) of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act, amended December 21, 1982.
2. BACKGROUND
The 1990 Clean Air Act
requires the monitoring and controlling of particulates of size 10 micrometers
in diameter and smaller. Many areas, particularly in the
The FAIR Act of 1996
addresses Agricultural Air Quality Research Oversight. In Section 391 of the
Act, the United States Congress reports that:
a.
A
number of studies have alleged that agriculture is a source of PM-10, PM-2,5
and Greenhouse Gas emissions;
b.
Many of these studies have often been based on
erroneous data;
c.
Federal
research activities are currently being conducted by the Department of
Agriculture (USDA) to determine the true extent to which agricultural
activities contribute to air pollution and to determine cost-effective ways in
which the agricultural industry can reduce air pollution; and
d.
Any
policy recommendations that may be issued by any Federal agency to address air
pollution problems related to agriculture or any other industrial activity,
should be based on sound scientific findings that are subject to adequate peer
review and should take into account economic feasibility.
The
FAIR Act directs the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
to establish a task force to oversee and review research in agricultural air
quality issues in order to ensure intergovernmental cooperation in research
activities.
3. SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS/CANCELLATIONS
a. The name of
this committee is the Agricultural Air Quality Task Force (AAQTF).
b. The AAQTF will
be terminated two years from the date of renewal by the Chief of NRCS unless
renewed.
c. This regulation
will expire two years from the date of filing.
Departmental Regulation 1042-126, dated August 16, 2006, is superseded
by this regulation.
4. OFFICERS AND
MEMBERSHIP
a. The Chief of
NRCS will serve as chair of the AAQTF. The Task Force will report to the Chief
of the NRCS, who will present Task Force recommendations to the Secretary of
Agriculture.
b. There are no
legal limitations to the number of members who may serve on AAQTF.
c. The AAQTF’s
membership is composed of representatives of academia, agribusiness, regulatory
organizations, environmental organizations, health disciplines, special
government employees (SGEs), and others.
Additionally, several regular government employees (RGEs) are appointed
because they are USDA employees whom the AAQTF is advising and whose expertise
is required.
d. Equal
opportunity practices, consistent with USDA policies, will be followed in all
appointments to the AAQTF. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee
have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the
Department, membership should include, to the extent practicable, individuals
with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with
disabilities.
5. DUTIES
The AAQTF shall advise
the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the scientific basis of the impact of
agriculture on air quality. The intent of this effort will be to:
a. Strengthen vital research efforts related
to agricultural air quality;
b. Determine the
extent to which agricultural activities contribute to air pollution;
c. Determine
cost-effective ways in which the agricultural industry can improve air quality;
d. Coordinate and
ensure intergovernmental cooperation on research activities related to
agricultural air quality issues to avoid duplication and insure data quality
and sound interpretation of data.
e. Advise the Secretary
with respect to the role of the Secretary for providing oversight and
coordination related to agricultural air quality.
6. ADMINISTRATIVE
PROVISION
a. Members shall
serve without compensation, but may receive reimbursement for travel expenses
and per diem in accordance with USDA travel regulations for attendance at board
functions.
b. Estimated
annual operating cost of the AAQTF is not expected to exceed $150,000.
7. NUMBER AND
FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS
The AAQTF is estimated
to meet approximately two to three times annually.
8. REPORT/STAFF
SUPPORT
NRCS will provide the
necessary support for the AAQTF, and designate a federal officer to provide
committee management as outlined in Department regulation1041-1, 41 CFR parts
101-6 and 102-3, and required under sections 10(e) and10(f) of the Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).