USDA-Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
Charter
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2006
AAQTF Charter
(16 KB)
Number 1042-126
Date: August 16, 2006
Agricultural Air Quality Task Force
Natural Resources Conservation Service
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
Western United States, experience concentrations of these
particulates which exceed the 1987 Federal health standards.
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 emission;
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 September 17,
2004, 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.
b. 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 three to
four 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 regulation 1041-1, 41
CFR parts 101-6 and 102-3, and required under sections 10(e)
and 10(f) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.).