Official Designation:  United States Geological Survey (USGS)--Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Committee for Synthesis and Assessment Product 3.4: Abrupt Climate Change.

Scope and Objectives:  The Committee will provide advice and recommendations regarding the development of a draft Synthesis and Assessment (S&A) report that addresses CCSP topic 3.4: Abrupt Climate Change. This activity is authorized by the Secretary of the Interior and led by the USGS in cooperation with the CCSP. The Committee will work to fulfill the following objectives in accordance with the best available science:

1. Provide perspective on the implementation and refinement of the study approach.
2. Synthesize and assess climatic data and scientific literature relevant to provide recommended text for the S&A 3.4 report.

Description of Duties:  Consistent with the scope and objectives described above, the Committee is authorized to perform the following duties:

1. Assist the USGS in developing a draft CCSP S&A Product that addresses topic 3.4: Abrupt Climate Change. The Committee must comply with USGS Information Quality Act guidelines in the development of the draft S&A report.
2. Meet and discuss issues relating to the study design, research methodology, data sources and quality, and study findings in development of the draft S&A report.
3. Review and assess preliminary research findings and draft products.
4. Provide advice, recommendations, and updates on the topic to the USGS.
5. Respond to other related assignments made by the USGS.

Duration:  The Committee is subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and shall take no action unless the charter filing requirements of section 9 of the FACA have been complied with. The Committee is expected to exist for two years. Further, the Committee is subject to biennial review and will terminate 2 years from the date the charter is filed, unless, prior to that time, the charter is renewed in accordance with section 14 of FACA.

Agency or Official to who the Committee Reports:  The advisory Committee reports to the Secretary of the Department of the Interior through the Director of the USGS and the designated federal officer (DFO).

Estimated Annual Operating Costs:  Annual costs to administer the Committee are estimated at $96,600, which includes $58,600 (0.5 FTE) employment for the DFO, $15,000 for workshop related fees (committee member per diem, meeting room rental, audio-visual equipment, etc.), and $23,000 for facilitation of two workshops.

Allowances for Committee Members:  Members of the Committee serve without compensation. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business, members engaged in council business approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) will be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in Government service under section 5703 of title 5 of the United States Code.

Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:  It is anticipated that the Committee will meet at least twice a year.

Termination Date:  This charter shall terminate 2 years from the filing date unless terminated early or renewed by proper authority.

Committee Membership:  The Committee will initially be composed of at least six members to be appointed by the Secretary.  As the work of the committee progresses, the role of members may vary as necessary. Balance of viewpoints will be maintained throughout the duration of the committee.  Members may include non-Federal and Federal scientists, educators, and other experts who are engaged in the study of climate change issues.  Each member will be appointed for a term of 2 years and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary.  Appointments are renewable for additional terms at the discretion of the Secretary.

Ethical Responsibility:  All members will comply with applicable ethics statutes, rules and regulations. Members appointed as Special Government Employees will receive materials and training that explaintheir ethical obligations and restrictions. Consistent with ethics requirements, members will avoid any actions that could cause the public to question the integrity of the Committee’s operations, activities, or advice. The provisions of this paragraph do not affect any other statutory or regulatory ethical obligations to which a member may be subject.

Designated Federal Officer:  The DFO will be the USGS Earth Surface Dynamics Associate Program Coordinator, U.S. Geological Survey, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192.

Subgroups:  The Committee may establish such workgroups or subcommittees as it deems necessary for the purposes of compiling information or conducting research. However, such workgroups must report to the full Committee for further deliberations.

Authority:  The Committee is established pursuant to Department of theInterior and USGS participation in the CCSP synthesis and assessment process that fulfills requirements of the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-606, Section 106).

Secretary of the Interior/Signed