Overview
Title
Notification of Request for Nominations to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The EPA is looking for people to join a group that helps make sure everyone, especially different communities, is treated fairly when it comes to the environment. They have a few spots open for different types of people, like teachers and community leaders, and want people to apply by March 24, 2021.
Summary AI
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting nominations for its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). They are looking to fill around seven vacancies by September 2021. These vacancies include positions for representatives from academia, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, state and local governments, and tribal governments. Interested nominees should have experience in environmental justice and community sustainability issues and must submit their nominations by March 24, 2021.
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites nominations from a diverse range of qualified candidates to be considered for appointment to its National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). The NEJAC was chartered to provide advice regarding broad, cross-cutting issues related to environmental justice. This notice solicits nominations to fill approximately seven (7) new vacancies for terms through September 2022. To maintain the representation outlined by the charter, nominees will be selected to represent: Academia (1 vacancy); community-based organizations (2 vacancies); non-governmental organizations (1 vacancy); state and local governments (2 vacancies); and tribal governments and indigenous organizations (1 vacancy). We are interested in adding members located in EPA regions 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10. Vacancies are anticipated to be filled by September 2021. Sources in addition to this Federal Register Notice will be utilized in the solicitation of nominees.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) serves as a call for nominations to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council (NEJAC). This council plays a critical role in advising the EPA on matters relating to environmental justice—a principle centered on equitable treatment of all people concerning environmental laws and policies. This invitation seeks to fill approximately seven vacancies ensuring a wide range of representation, including academia and various organizations, and focuses on those located in specific EPA regions.
General Summary
The NEJAC was established in 1993 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide independent advice to the EPA. The current solicitation for nominations is seeking individuals to fill around seven vacancies by September 2021. Candidates are expected from fields such as academia, community-based, non-governmental, and tribal organizations. The nominees will serve terms lasting until September 2022, with a representation focus on certain EPA regions.
Interested candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in environmental areas pertinent to justice, like community sustainability and public health. The deadline for nominations is specified as March 24, 2021. This broad call seeks a diverse array of representation, reflecting various racial, ethnic, geographic, and professional backgrounds.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from the document. First, the use of "approximately" to describe the number of vacancies creates ambiguity. Stakeholders might not have clear expectations about the opportunities available. Furthermore, while the document specifies focus on particular EPA regions, the reasoning for such regional emphasis is not clear, which may prompt concerns about equitable regional representation.
The selection criteria, while detailed, incorporate subjective terms such as "demonstrated experience" and "interpersonal skills." Such criteria can be open to interpretation, possibly making the nomination evaluation process appear unclear. Additionally, the document uses complex terminology, which could be inaccessible to individuals who do not have a background in environmental policy.
Lastly, while the document outlines several ways to participate in NEJAC activities, it does not clarify how selections are made between these types of involvements, potentially leading to confusion.
Impact on the Public
This document and the subsequent selection process may have a broad impact on those concerned with environmental justice. It highlights the EPA's commitment to addressing diverse environmental issues and reflects a proactive stance in involving varied communities.
For the general public, the advisory council's work could influence policies that ensure fair environmental practices, benefiting communities disproportionately affected by environmental neglect or harm. The council's recommendations may lead to more inclusive environmental regulations, promoting sustainable practices that protect public health and safety.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
The potential impact on stakeholders is multifaceted. Academia and community organizations might find this an opportunity to influence policy directly. The chance to serve on NEJAC allows individuals or groups to foreground issues pertinent to marginalized or underrepresented communities. This could lead to policies that better reflect these communities' needs and perspectives.
However, the document's emphasis on specific geographic regions might limit opportunities for individuals or organizations outside those areas. Stakeholders from regions not listed may feel excluded from this process, possibly overlooking vital insights and advice from a wider array of regions affected by environmental justice issues.
In summary, while the document does an admirable job of detailing selection criteria and expectations, addressing the highlighted concerns could serve to make the process more inclusive and transparent, ultimately strengthening the NEJAC’s ability to advise on national environmental justice matters effectively.
Issues
• The document mentions 'approximately seven (7) new vacancies' but does not specify the exact number, which might create ambiguity.
• The notice specifies vacancies in certain EPA regions (1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10), but doesn't explain the reasoning for this region-specific focus, which could lead to questions about regional representation.
• The qualifications and criteria for selection are detailed, but terms like 'demonstrated experience', 'excellent interpersonal skills', and 'ability to volunteer time' can be subjective and open to interpretation.
• The usage of complex terminology such as 'broad, cross-cutting issues' and 'community sustainability and resiliency' may be difficult for some lay readers to understand.
• The document lists multiple ways to participate but does not mention any criteria for selection between these different forms of involvement, which might lead to confusion.