FR 2024-30960

The document announces public meetings of the Advisory Committee on Landslides (ACL), organized by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The meetings are set to take place via web conference on January 16, 2025, and in-person on April 1-2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Members of the public are invited to attend but must register in advance. The ACL, which is made up of experts in landslide hazards, provides guidance to the Secretary of the Interior to support national efforts in landslide hazard reduction. The meetings will cover various topics, including committee business, ethics briefings, and agency activities concerning landslide preparedness. Public comments are encouraged, and accommodations will be available upon request.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document is written in complex legal language, making it challenging for the general public to grasp without prior knowledge of federal advisory committees and relevant legal acts. This could prevent potential attendees from understanding the importance of the meetings or how they might contribute.

The document lacks explicit details on the expected benefits or outcomes from these meetings. Without clear justification, these sessions might seem unnecessary to some, leading to criticism over government spending and resource allocation.

There are privacy concerns related to public comments. The notice indicates that personal information may be disclosed publicly, which could deter individuals from providing valuable insights or feedback.

The registration process, especially for non-U.S. citizens, is not clearly explained, creating a potential barrier to participation. It’s not transparent about what additional information might be required, which poses a potential deterrent for international stakeholders wanting to engage with the committee.

Finally, the criteria for selecting members of the ACL are not well-defined in the document. This lack of transparency might lead to perceptions of favoritism or questions about the inclusivity and diversity of the committee.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this document invites public participation in federal advisory meetings concerning landslide hazards, offering a platform for interested parties to engage with national safety and preparedness initiatives. By opening the meetings to the public, it promotes transparency and community involvement in governmental decision-making processes, potentially fostering a sense of partnership between citizens and federal agencies.

However, the dense language and procedural complexities might limit broader public engagement. Unless adequately addressed, these barriers could reduce public input to individuals already versed in government processes or who have a specific professional interest in landslide hazards.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved in or affected by landslide hazards—such as local governments, disaster preparedness organizations, and communities in landslide-prone areas—these meetings provide a significant opportunity. They can share insights, advocate for necessary actions, and collaborate on developing strategies to enhance landslide preparedness and response frameworks.

On the downside, the potential public disclosure of personal information might deter these stakeholders from fully engaging, especially if they wish to keep their affiliations confidential.

In summary, while the document extends an important invitation to engage with critical discussions on landslide preparedness, it should address its communication approach and procedural clarity to maximize public participation and enhance stakeholder contribution.