Notice of Availability of the Final White Paper on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making, 1215-1216 [E9-355]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 7 / Monday, January 12, 2009 / Notices Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota 58503, at (701) 530–1560. Any person may, within 60 days after the issuance of the instant notice by the Commission, file pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission’s Procedural Rules (18 CFR 385.214) a motion to intervene or notice of intervention. Any person filing to intervene or the Commission’s staff may, pursuant to section 157.205 of the Commission’s regulations under the NGA (18 CFR 157.205) file a protest to the request. If no protest is filed within the time allowed therefore, the proposed activity shall be deemed to be authorized effective the day after the time allowed for protest. If a protest is filed and not withdrawn within 30 days after the time allowed for filing a protest, the instant request shall be treated as an application for authorization pursuant to section 7 of the NGA. The Commission strongly encourages electronic filings of comments, protests, and interventions via the internet in lieu of paper. See 18 CFR 385.2001(a)(1)(iii) and the instructions on the Commission’s Web site (https:// www.ferc.gov) under the ‘‘e-Filing’’ link. Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary. [FR Doc. E9–257 Filed 1–9–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6717–01–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8760–7] Notice of Availability of the Final White Paper on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of Document Availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the availability of the final White Paper on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making (EPA 100/R–08/010, November 2008. In pursuing its mission to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency often relies on environmental models. The EPA defines a model as a ‘‘simplification of reality that is constructed to gain insights into select attributes of a particular physical, biological, economic, or social system.’’ While traditionally environmental modeling has focused on considering a VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:34 Jan 09, 2009 Jkt 217001 single pollutant in a single environmental medium, this approach is no longer viewed as sufficient for effective environmental management decision support. It is increasingly recognized that a holistic approach to modeling the environment and the mechanisms governing the fate and transport of pollutants through the different environmental media as well as the multiple exposure pathways and the consequent responses of humans and ecosystems, is required to adequately assess and address environmental problems. Integrated modeling is thus of importance to helping EPA consider the environment as a ‘‘single, interrelated system’’. Integrated modeling encompasses a broad range of approaches and configurations of models, data and assessment methods to describe and analyze complex environmental problems, often in a multimedia and multidisciplinary manner. This staff white paper recommends a commitment to a new direction in environmental modeling and decision making, one that adopts a systems thinking approach. This approach EPA will be able to significantly improve its ability to conduct scientific analyses in support of integrated decision making. The result will be implementing more efficient, effective and equitable policies and programs to advance environmental protection as well as economic prosperity. This white paper: (1) Outlines the need for and value of integrated modeling for EPA science and decision-making; (2) analyzes the state of the art and practice of integrated modeling and include examples of how this approach has been successfully applied and the lessons learned; (3) identifies the challenges to more fully implementing this approach in the future; and (4) presents a plan to create an enabling environment to facilitate a concerted, systematic, and stable approach to the development and application of integrated modeling for integrated decision making. ADDRESSES: The final document is available electronically through the CREM Web site at: https://www.epa.gov/ crem/integrated-model-paper.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Noha Gaber, Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling, Office of the Science Advisor, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Mail Code: 8105R, Washington, DC 20460; by telephone/ voice mail at (202) 564–2179; Fax: (202) 564–2070; or via e-mail at gaber.noha@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To achieve its mission of protecting human PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1215 health and safeguarding the natural environment, the U.S. EPA often employs mathematical models to study environmental systems and processes and to inform regulatory decision making. The U.S. EPA established the Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling (CREM) in 2000 in an effort to improve the quality, consistency and transparency of EPA models. Recognizing the policy demand for systems integration, the CREM initiated a series of activities to foster the development and application of integrated modeling. The CREM kicked off this series of integrated modelingfocused activities by convening an EPAwide workshop on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making, held in January 2007. The workshop discussions highlighted the need for a coordinated and harmonized approach to integrated modeling and an institutional vision and workplan to help overcome the scientific, technological and organizational challenges impeding the effective use of integrated models. Building on this successful workshop, an Agency White Paper on ‘‘Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making’’ (hereafter White Paper) was developed. The strategic vision and action plan proposed in the White Paper outline a set of recommended activities to overcome the science, information technology and organizational challenges facing a more consistent and coordinated implementation of integrated modeling to inform decision making at EPA. In addition to internal review within Agency offices and regions, the White Paper was also evaluated and approved by the EPA’s Science Policy Council, the Agency’s forum for senior level policy deliberation and coordination on significant science issues. It has also undergone an independent external review process through the National Advisory Council on Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). In its advice letter to the Agency NACEPT highlighted their finding that ‘‘integrated modeling is a significant cross-cutting science and technology tool’’, endorsed the White Paper and offered some recommendations for the Agency to move forward to implement the action plan proposed in the White Paper. The NACEPT advice letter may be found here: https://www.epa.gov/ ocem/nacept/reports/pdf/nacept-imfinal-advice-letter-092208.pdf. E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM 12JAN1 1216 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 7 / Monday, January 12, 2009 / Notices Dated: January 5, 2009. George Gray, EPA Science Advisor. [FR Doc. E9–355 Filed 1–9–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [FRL–8761–3] Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice of meeting. SUMMARY: Under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92–463, EPA gives notice of a meeting of the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee (FRRCC). The purpose of the FRRCC is to provide advice to the Administrator of EPA on environmental issues and programs that impact, or are of concern to, farms, ranches, and rural communities. The FRRCC is a part of EPA’s efforts to expand cooperative working relationships with the agriculture industry and others who are interested in agricultural issues and to achieve greater progress in environmental protection. The purpose of the meeting is to further advance: (1) Discussion of the impacts of Agency agriculture-related programs, policies, and regulations regarding climate change and renewable energy; (2) identification and development of a comprehensive environmental strategy for livestock operations; and (3) development of a constructive approach or framework to address areas of common interest between sustainable agriculture and protection of the environment. A copy of the meeting agenda will be posted at https://www.epa.gov/ocem/frrcc. DATES: The Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee will hold an open meeting on Monday, February 23, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. (registration at 8 a.m.) until 5:45 p.m., and Tuesday, February 24, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC Hotel, 1330 Maryland Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20024, telephone: 202– 554–8588. The meeting is open to the public, with limited seating on a firstcome, first-served basis. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alicia Kaiser, Designated Federal Officer, kaiser.alicia@epa.gov, 202–564– 7273, U.S. EPA, Office of the Administrator (1101A), 1200 VerDate Nov<24>2008 20:34 Jan 09, 2009 Jkt 217001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, or Christopher Ashcraft, Junior Designated Federal Officer, ashcraft.christopher@epa.gov, 202–564–2432, U.S. EPA, Office of the Administrator (1601M), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Requests to make brief oral comments or provide written statements to the FRRCC should be sent to Alicia Kaiser, Designated Federal Officer, at the contact information above. All requests must be submitted no later than February 16, 2009. Meeting Access: For information on access or services for individuals with disabilities, please contact Alicia Kaiser at 202–564–7273 or kaiser.alicia@epa.gov. To request accommodation of a disability, please contact Alicia Kaiser, preferably at least 10 days prior to the meeting, to give EPA as much time as possible to process your request. Dated: January 6, 2009. Alicia Kaiser, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E9–358 Filed 1–9–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSURANCE CORPORATION Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board; Regular Meeting SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the regular meeting of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board (Board). Date and Time: The meeting of the Board will be held at the offices of the Farm Credit Administration in McLean, Virginia, on January 15, 2009, from 9 a.m. until such time as the Board concludes its business. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roland E. Smith, Secretary to the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board, (703) 883–4009, TTY (703) 883– 4056. ADDRESSES: Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation, 1501 Farm Credit Drive, McLean, Virginia 22102. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting of the Board will be open to the public (limited space available). In order to increase the accessibility to Board meetings, persons requiring assistance should make arrangements in advance. The matters to be considered at the meeting are: Open Session A. Approval of Minutes PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • December 11, 2008 (Open and Closed). B. New Business • Review of Insurance Premium Rates. • Premium Regulation. Dated: January 6, 2009. Roland E. Smith, Secretary, Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation Board. [FR Doc. E9–351 Filed 1–9–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6710–01–P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Notice of Proposals to Engage in Permissible Nonbanking Activities or to Acquire Companies that are Engaged in Permissible Nonbanking Activities The companies listed in this notice have given notice under section 4 of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1843) (BHC Act) and Regulation Y (12 CFR Part 225) to engage de novo, or to acquire or control voting securities or assets of a company, including the companies listed below, that engages either directly or through a subsidiary or other company, in a nonbanking activity that is listed in § 225.28 of Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.28) or that the Board has determined by Order to be closely related to banking and permissible for bank holding companies. Unless otherwise noted, these activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Each notice is available for inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The notice also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the question whether the proposal complies with the standards of section 4 of the BHC Act. Additional information on all bank holding companies may be obtained from the National Information Center website at www.ffiec.gov/nic/. Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding the applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors not later than February 5, 2009. A. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (A. Linwood Gill, III, Vice President) 701 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23261–4528: 1. FA Capital, LLC and Community Bank Investors of America, L.P., both of Richmond, Virginia, to retain 8.64 percent, and to acquire up to 18 percent, of the voting shares of Gateway Bank, FSB, San Leandro, California, and thereby engage in operating a savings association, pursuant to section 225.28(b)(4)(ii) of Regulation Y. E:\FR\FM\12JAN1.SGM 12JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1215-1216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-355]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-8760-7]


Notice of Availability of the Final White Paper on Integrated 
Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of Document Availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing 
the availability of the final White Paper on Integrated Modeling for 
Integrated Environmental Decision Making (EPA 100/R-08/010, November 
2008.
    In pursuing its mission to protect human health and to safeguard 
the natural environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency often 
relies on environmental models. The EPA defines a model as a 
``simplification of reality that is constructed to gain insights into 
select attributes of a particular physical, biological, economic, or 
social system.'' While traditionally environmental modeling has focused 
on considering a single pollutant in a single environmental medium, 
this approach is no longer viewed as sufficient for effective 
environmental management decision support. It is increasingly 
recognized that a holistic approach to modeling the environment and the 
mechanisms governing the fate and transport of pollutants through the 
different environmental media as well as the multiple exposure pathways 
and the consequent responses of humans and ecosystems, is required to 
adequately assess and address environmental problems. Integrated 
modeling is thus of importance to helping EPA consider the environment 
as a ``single, interrelated system''. Integrated modeling encompasses a 
broad range of approaches and configurations of models, data and 
assessment methods to describe and analyze complex environmental 
problems, often in a multimedia and multidisciplinary manner.
    This staff white paper recommends a commitment to a new direction 
in environmental modeling and decision making, one that adopts a 
systems thinking approach. This approach EPA will be able to 
significantly improve its ability to conduct scientific analyses in 
support of integrated decision making. The result will be implementing 
more efficient, effective and equitable policies and programs to 
advance environmental protection as well as economic prosperity. This 
white paper: (1) Outlines the need for and value of integrated modeling 
for EPA science and decision-making; (2) analyzes the state of the art 
and practice of integrated modeling and include examples of how this 
approach has been successfully applied and the lessons learned; (3) 
identifies the challenges to more fully implementing this approach in 
the future; and (4) presents a plan to create an enabling environment 
to facilitate a concerted, systematic, and stable approach to the 
development and application of integrated modeling for integrated 
decision making.

ADDRESSES: The final document is available electronically through the 
CREM Web site at: https://www.epa.gov/crem/integrated-model-paper.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Noha Gaber, Council for Regulatory 
Environmental Modeling, Office of the Science Advisor, 1200 
Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Mail Code: 8105R, Washington, DC 20460; by 
telephone/voice mail at (202) 564-2179; Fax: (202) 564-2070; or via e-
mail at gaber.noha@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To achieve its mission of protecting human 
health and safeguarding the natural environment, the U.S. EPA often 
employs mathematical models to study environmental systems and 
processes and to inform regulatory decision making. The U.S. EPA 
established the Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling (CREM) in 
2000 in an effort to improve the quality, consistency and transparency 
of EPA models. Recognizing the policy demand for systems integration, 
the CREM initiated a series of activities to foster the development and 
application of integrated modeling. The CREM kicked off this series of 
integrated modeling-focused activities by convening an EPA-wide 
workshop on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision 
Making, held in January 2007. The workshop discussions highlighted the 
need for a coordinated and harmonized approach to integrated modeling 
and an institutional vision and workplan to help overcome the 
scientific, technological and organizational challenges impeding the 
effective use of integrated models. Building on this successful 
workshop, an Agency White Paper on ``Integrated Modeling for Integrated 
Environmental Decision Making'' (hereafter White Paper) was developed. 
The strategic vision and action plan proposed in the White Paper 
outline a set of recommended activities to overcome the science, 
information technology and organizational challenges facing a more 
consistent and coordinated implementation of integrated modeling to 
inform decision making at EPA.
    In addition to internal review within Agency offices and regions, 
the White Paper was also evaluated and approved by the EPA's Science 
Policy Council, the Agency's forum for senior level policy deliberation 
and coordination on significant science issues. It has also undergone 
an independent external review process through the National Advisory 
Council on Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT). In its advice 
letter to the Agency NACEPT highlighted their finding that ``integrated 
modeling is a significant cross-cutting science and technology tool'', 
endorsed the White Paper and offered some recommendations for the 
Agency to move forward to implement the action plan proposed in the 
White Paper. The NACEPT advice letter may be found here: https://
www.epa.gov/ocem/nacept/reports/pdf/nacept-im-final-advice-letter-
092208.pdf.


[[Page 1216]]


    Dated: January 5, 2009.
George Gray,
EPA Science Advisor.
[FR Doc. E9-355 Filed 1-9-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P
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