Position Statement on Environmental Management Systems (EMSs), 5664-5665 [E6-1423]
Download as PDF
hsrobinson on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
5664
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 22 / Thursday, February 2, 2006 / Notices
subregional/reports.htm: ‘‘Rocky Mountain
Area Transmission Study’’—September 2004.
3. Available on California Energy
Commission Web site at https://
www.energy.ca.gov/2005publications /CEC–
100–2005–006/CEC–100–2005–006–CTF.PDF:
‘‘Committee Final Strategic Transmission
Investment Plan (Committee Final Strategic
Plan), California Energy Commission,
November 2005.’’
4. Available on the Public Service
Company of Colorado Web site at https://
www.rmao.com/wtpp.psco_studies.html:
‘‘Colorado Long Range Transmission
Planning Study’’—April 27, 2004.
5. Available from WECC (Phase 3 Accepted
Path Rating Study Report)—Call (801) 582–
0353: ‘‘Southwest Power link and Palo
Verde—Devers 500kV Series Capacitor
Upgrade Project’’—dated December 2, 2004.
6. Available from CAISO Web site.
6.1. CAISO testimony to the CPUC for the
Palo Verde—Devers #2 Project https://
www.caiso.com/14cf/14cf82f921c90.pdf.
6.2. Information on the Southwest
Transmission Expansion Plan (STEP) https://
www.caiso.com/docs/2002/11/04/
2002110417450022131.html.
6.3. Documents on the Palo Verde—Devers
#2 project https://www.caiso.com/docs/2005/
01/19/2005011914572217739.html.
6.4. Information on the CAISO
Transmission Economic Assessment
Methodology (TEAM) https://www.caiso.com/
docs/2003/03/18/
2003031815303519270.html.
7. Available from Northwest Power Pool
Web site (Northwest Regional Transmission
Association reports).
7.1. ‘‘Puget Sound Area Upgrade Study
Report’’—November 2004 https://
www.nwpp.org/ntac/pdf/
PSASG%20Final%20Draft.pdf.
7.2. ‘‘Montana—Pacific Northwest
Transmission Upgrade Study’’ https://
www.nwpp.org/ntac/pdf/MT–NW%
20Study%20Report%202005–Oct.zip.
7.3. https://www.nwpp.org/ntac/pdf/
Selected%20Transmission%
20Siting%20constraints.pdf.
8. Available from the Southwest Area
Transmission Sub-Regional Planning Group
Web site.
8.1. ‘‘Report of the Phase I Study of the
Central Arizona Transmission System’’
https://www.azpower.org/cats/
default.asp#phase1.
8.2. ‘‘Report of the Phase II Study of the
Central Arizona Transmission System’’
https://www.azpower.org/cats/
default.asp#phase2.
8.3. ‘‘Report of the Phase III Study of the
Central Arizona Transmission System’’
https://www.azpower.org/cats/
default.asp#phase3.
[FR Doc. E6–1394 Filed 2–1–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6450–01–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:26 Feb 01, 2006
Jkt 208001
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–8027–8]
Environmental Laboratory Advisory
Board (ELAB) Meeting Dates and
Agenda
Environmental Protection
Agency.
ACTION: Notice of teleconference
meetings.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection
Agency’s Environmental Laboratory
Advisory Board (ELAB), as previously
announced, will have teleconference
meetings on January 18, 2006 at 1 p.m.
E.T.; February 15, 2006 at 1 p.m. E.T.;
March 15, 2006 at 1 p.m. E.T.; April 19,
2006 at 1 p.m. E.T.; and May 17, 2006
at 1 p.m. E.T. to discuss the ideas and
views presented at the previous ELAB
meetings, as well as new business. Items
to be discussed by ELAB over these
coming meetings include: (1) Expanding
the number of laboratories seeking
National Environmental Laboratory
Accreditation Conference (NELAC)
accreditation; (2) homeland security
issues affecting the laboratory
community; (3) ELAB support to the
Agency’s Forum on Environmental
Measurements (FEM); (4) implementing
the performance approach; (5)
increasing state participation in NELAC;
and (6) follow-up on some of ELAB’s
past recommendations and issues. In
addition to these teleconferences, ELAB
will be hosting their next face-to-face
meeting on January 30, 2006 at the
Westin Chicago River North in Chicago,
Illinois from 9:30–12 C.T. and an open
forum session on January 31, 2006 also
at the Westin Chicago River North in
Chicago, Illinois at 5:30 p.m. C.T.
Written comments on laboratory
accreditation issues and/or
environmental monitoring issues are
encouraged and should be sent to Ms.
Lara P. Autry, DFO, U.S. EPA (E243–
05), 109 T. W. Alexander Drive,
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, faxed
to (919) 541–4261, or e-mailed to
autry.lara@epa.gov. Members of the
public are invited to listen to the
teleconference calls, and time
permitting, will be allowed to comment
on issues discussed during this and
previous ELAB meetings. Those persons
interested in attending should call Lara
P. Autry at (919) 541–5544 to obtain
teleconference information. The number
of lines for the teleconferences,
however, are limited and will be
distributed on a first come, first serve
basis. Preference will be given to a
group wishing to attend over a request
from an individual. For information on
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
access or services for individuals with
disabilities, please contact Lara P. Autry
at the number above. To request
accommodation of a disability, please
contact Lara P. Autry, preferably at least
10 days prior to the meeting, to give
EPA as much time as possible to process
your request.
George M. Gray,
Assistant Administrator, Office of Research
and Development.
[FR Doc. E6–1422 Filed 2–1–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
[FRL–8026–5]
Position Statement on Environmental
Management Systems (EMSs)
Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This notice is to inform the
public that EPA has updated its Position
Statement on Environmental
Management Systems (EMSs). This
updated statement replaces the 2002
Position Statement on EMS signed by
Administrator Whitman and reflects
EPA’s experiences to date with the
promotion of voluntary EMSs as well as
our continued commitment to be a
leader in this area. The Position
Statement explains EPA’s policy on
EMSs and the Agency’s intent to
continue to promote the voluntary widespread use of EMSs across a range of
organizations and settings. EPA
encourages organizations to implement
EMSs that result in improved
environmental performance and
compliance, cost-savings, pollution
prevention through source reduction,
and continual improvement.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shana Harbour 202–566–2959.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
During the past decade, public and
private organizations have increasingly
adopted formal Environmental
Management Systems (EMSs) to address
their environmental responsibilities.
The most common framework an EMS
uses is the plan-do-check-act process,
with the goal of continual improvement.
EMSs provide organizations of all types
with a structured system and approach
for managing environmental and
regulatory responsibilities to improve
overall environmental performance and
stewardship, including areas not subject
to regulation such as product design,
E:\FR\FM\02FEN1.SGM
02FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 22 / Thursday, February 2, 2006 / Notices
resource conservation, energy
efficiency, and other sustainable
practices. EMSs can also facilitate the
integration of the full scope of
environmental considerations into the
mission of the organization and improve
environmental performance by
establishing a continual process of
checking to ensure environmental goals
are set and met. A well-designed EMS
includes procedures for taking
corrective action if problems occur and
encourages preventive action to avoid
problems.
Over the last several years, EPA has
been involved in a wide range of
voluntary activities to facilitate EMS
adoption (see https://www.epa.gov/ems).
EPA has learned through our work with
other organizations that EMSs can
improve organizational efficiency and
competitiveness, provide an
infrastructure for public communication
and engagement, and provide a platform
to address other important issues such
as security. EMSs do not replace the
need for regulatory and enforcement
programs, but they can complement
them. Although EMSs cannot guarantee
any specific level of environmental
performance, EPA has learned that,
when properly implemented, EMSs can
help facilities achieve significantly
improved environmental results and
other benefits.
hsrobinson on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES
Using EMS as a Tool for Stewardship
EPA has developed EMSs at 34 of its
own facilities in advance of the
December 31, 2005 deadline set forth in
Executive Order 13148—Greening the
Government Through Leadership in
Environmental Management. EPA will
continue to utilize its EMSs to reduce its
environmental footprint and to help
lead the Agency’s environmental
stewardship efforts.
EPA will continue to encourage
organizations to design and implement
EMSs that improve compliance, prevent
pollution, and integrate other means of
improving environmental performance.
EPA is also leading research designed to
evaluate the effectiveness of EMSs in
various settings and integrating EMSs
into more of its own programs. We are
evaluating which EMS elements and
applications are most effective and how
these management systems might be
used to strengthen environmental
programs and policies. This includes
the ongoing efforts to assess the
potential financial benefits of EMS
adoption and to assess whether EMSs
should play any role in the design of
regulatory and permitting programs.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:26 Feb 01, 2006
Jkt 208001
Statement of Principles
EPA’s overall policy on EMSs, as with
the EMS approach itself, will continue
to be guided by the principles of
continual improvement and learning,
flexibility, and collaboration.
• EPA will encourage widespread use
of EMSs across a range of organizations
and settings, with particular emphasis
on adoption of EMSs to achieve
improved environmental performance
and compliance, pollution prevention
through source reduction, and continual
improvement. The Agency will support
EMSs that are appropriate to the needs
and characteristics of specific sectors
and facilities and encourage the use of
EMSs as a means of integrating other
facility management programs.
• EPA will promote the voluntary
adoption of EMSs. To encourage
voluntary adoption of EMSs, EPA will
rely on public education and voluntary
programs.
• EPA will encourage organizations
that use EMSs to obtain stakeholder
input on matters relevant to the
development and implementation of an
EMS and to demonstrate accountability
for the performance outcomes of their
EMSs through measurable objectives
and targets. Additionally, the Agency
will encourage organizations to share
information on the performance of their
EMSs with public and government
agencies and facilitate this process
where practicable.
• EPA will encourage the use of
recognized environmental management
frameworks, such as the ISO 14001
Standard, as a basis for designing and
implementing EMSs that aim to achieve
outcomes aligned with the nation’s
environmental policy goals and the
principles of this Position Statement.
• EPA will collaborate with other key
partners—including states, other
Federal agencies, tribes, local
governments, industry, and nongovernmental organizations—as it
implements this policy. EPA will
support international EMS initiatives
that facilitate the increased use of EMSs
in the United States. The Agency will
ensure that as it implements this policy,
its decisions and work are transparent to
all interested parties.
• EPA will lead by example, by
developing, implementing, and
maintaining EMSs at appropriate EPA
facilities.
• EPA will foster continual learning
by supporting research and public
dialogue on EMSs that help improve the
Agency’s understanding of
circumstances where EMSs can advance
the nation’s environmental policy goals.
EPA will continue to collect improved
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
5665
data on the application of EMSs as it
becomes available, including the
efficacy of EMSs in improving
environmental performance and the
costs and benefits of an EMS to an
organization and the environment.
Dated: December 13, 2005.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6–1423 Filed 2–1–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
Sunshine Act Notice
Federal Election Commission.
Tuesday, February 7,
2006 at 10 a.m.
PLACE: 999 E Street, NW., Washington,
DC.
STATUS: This meeting will be closed to
the public.
ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED:
Compliance matters pursuant to 2
U.S.C. 437g.
Audits conducted pursuant to 2 U.S.C.
437g, 438(b), and Title 26, U.S.C.
Matters concerning participating in civil
actions or proceedings or arbitration.
Internal personnel rules and procedures
or matters affecting a particular
employee.
PERSON TO CONTACT FOR INFORMATION:
Mr. Robert Biersack, Press Officer,
Telephone: (202) 694–1220.
AGENCY:
DATE AND TIME:
Mary W. Dove,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. 06–1006 Filed 1–31–06; 11:23 am]
BILLING CODE 6715–01–M
FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION
[Docket No. 06–02]
The Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal
District v. West Cameron Port, Harbor
and Terminal District; Notice of Filing
of Complaint and Assignment
Notice is given that a complaint has
been filed with the Federal Maritime
Commission (‘‘Commission’’) by The
Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal
District (‘‘Complainant’’), against West
Camden Port, Harbor, and Terminal
District, (‘‘Respondent’’). Complainant
asserts that it is a political subdivision
of the State of Louisiana, a deep-water
port authority which collects revenue
from charges assessed against cargo and
vessels using its facilities. Complainant
alleges that Respondent is also a
subdivision of the State of Louisiana
and a port authority. Complainant
E:\FR\FM\02FEN1.SGM
02FEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 22 (Thursday, February 2, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5664-5665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-1423]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
[FRL-8026-5]
Position Statement on Environmental Management Systems (EMSs)
AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
ACTION: Notice of availability.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice is to inform the public that EPA has updated its
Position Statement on Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). This
updated statement replaces the 2002 Position Statement on EMS signed by
Administrator Whitman and reflects EPA's experiences to date with the
promotion of voluntary EMSs as well as our continued commitment to be a
leader in this area. The Position Statement explains EPA's policy on
EMSs and the Agency's intent to continue to promote the voluntary wide-
spread use of EMSs across a range of organizations and settings. EPA
encourages organizations to implement EMSs that result in improved
environmental performance and compliance, cost-savings, pollution
prevention through source reduction, and continual improvement.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shana Harbour 202-566-2959.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
During the past decade, public and private organizations have
increasingly adopted formal Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) to
address their environmental responsibilities. The most common framework
an EMS uses is the plan-do-check-act process, with the goal of
continual improvement. EMSs provide organizations of all types with a
structured system and approach for managing environmental and
regulatory responsibilities to improve overall environmental
performance and stewardship, including areas not subject to regulation
such as product design,
[[Page 5665]]
resource conservation, energy efficiency, and other sustainable
practices. EMSs can also facilitate the integration of the full scope
of environmental considerations into the mission of the organization
and improve environmental performance by establishing a continual
process of checking to ensure environmental goals are set and met. A
well-designed EMS includes procedures for taking corrective action if
problems occur and encourages preventive action to avoid problems.
Over the last several years, EPA has been involved in a wide range
of voluntary activities to facilitate EMS adoption (see https://
www.epa.gov/ems). EPA has learned through our work with other
organizations that EMSs can improve organizational efficiency and
competitiveness, provide an infrastructure for public communication and
engagement, and provide a platform to address other important issues
such as security. EMSs do not replace the need for regulatory and
enforcement programs, but they can complement them. Although EMSs
cannot guarantee any specific level of environmental performance, EPA
has learned that, when properly implemented, EMSs can help facilities
achieve significantly improved environmental results and other
benefits.
Using EMS as a Tool for Stewardship
EPA has developed EMSs at 34 of its own facilities in advance of
the December 31, 2005 deadline set forth in Executive Order 13148--
Greening the Government Through Leadership in Environmental Management.
EPA will continue to utilize its EMSs to reduce its environmental
footprint and to help lead the Agency's environmental stewardship
efforts.
EPA will continue to encourage organizations to design and
implement EMSs that improve compliance, prevent pollution, and
integrate other means of improving environmental performance. EPA is
also leading research designed to evaluate the effectiveness of EMSs in
various settings and integrating EMSs into more of its own programs. We
are evaluating which EMS elements and applications are most effective
and how these management systems might be used to strengthen
environmental programs and policies. This includes the ongoing efforts
to assess the potential financial benefits of EMS adoption and to
assess whether EMSs should play any role in the design of regulatory
and permitting programs.
Statement of Principles
EPA's overall policy on EMSs, as with the EMS approach itself, will
continue to be guided by the principles of continual improvement and
learning, flexibility, and collaboration.
EPA will encourage widespread use of EMSs across a range
of organizations and settings, with particular emphasis on adoption of
EMSs to achieve improved environmental performance and compliance,
pollution prevention through source reduction, and continual
improvement. The Agency will support EMSs that are appropriate to the
needs and characteristics of specific sectors and facilities and
encourage the use of EMSs as a means of integrating other facility
management programs.
EPA will promote the voluntary adoption of EMSs. To
encourage voluntary adoption of EMSs, EPA will rely on public education
and voluntary programs.
EPA will encourage organizations that use EMSs to obtain
stakeholder input on matters relevant to the development and
implementation of an EMS and to demonstrate accountability for the
performance outcomes of their EMSs through measurable objectives and
targets. Additionally, the Agency will encourage organizations to share
information on the performance of their EMSs with public and government
agencies and facilitate this process where practicable.
EPA will encourage the use of recognized environmental
management frameworks, such as the ISO 14001 Standard, as a basis for
designing and implementing EMSs that aim to achieve outcomes aligned
with the nation's environmental policy goals and the principles of this
Position Statement.
EPA will collaborate with other key partners--including
states, other Federal agencies, tribes, local governments, industry,
and non-governmental organizations--as it implements this policy. EPA
will support international EMS initiatives that facilitate the
increased use of EMSs in the United States. The Agency will ensure that
as it implements this policy, its decisions and work are transparent to
all interested parties.
EPA will lead by example, by developing, implementing, and
maintaining EMSs at appropriate EPA facilities.
EPA will foster continual learning by supporting research
and public dialogue on EMSs that help improve the Agency's
understanding of circumstances where EMSs can advance the nation's
environmental policy goals. EPA will continue to collect improved data
on the application of EMSs as it becomes available, including the
efficacy of EMSs in improving environmental performance and the costs
and benefits of an EMS to an organization and the environment.
Dated: December 13, 2005.
Stephen L. Johnson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E6-1423 Filed 2-1-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P