Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee, 42874-42875 [2017-19296]

Download as PDF 42874 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 12, 2017 / Notices held public meetings on the Draft EIS in January 2017 in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Manchester, and Paris, Tennessee, and in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and accepted comments until January 31, 2017. TVA received 44 comment submissions on the Draft EIS and provided responses in the Final EIS. Most comments pertained to the proposed land use allocations of specific parcels of TVA land. In response to numerous substantive comments, TVA made revisions and corrections to the EIS. After considering the public’s feedback on the Draft EIS and further internal deliberation, TVA made minor modifications to its Proposed Land Use Plan Alternative. The land use allocations were changed for 4 parcels and parcel boundaries were changed for 41 parcels. Allocation and/ or acreage changes were made to reflect new information or changes in land use agreements or changes in back-lying property ownership, to correct errors or omissions, or in response to public comments. The NOA for the Final EIS was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2017. In the Final EIS, TVA identified the Proposed Land Use Plan Alternative as its preference. Prior to its August 23, 2017 meeting, the TVA Board provided opportunity to the public to comment on the RLMPs and CVLP revision. No comments were received. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Decision On August 23, 2017, the TVA Board approved the eight RLMPs and the revision of the CVLP, thereby adopting the Proposed Land Use Plan Alternative of the Final EIS. TVA believes the implementation of this plan provides suitable opportunities for balancing competing land use demands for natural and sensitive resource conservation while providing public lands for recreational enjoyment as well as supporting recreation and economic development goals. This decision incorporates mitigation measures that would minimize the potential for adverse impacts to the environment. Mitigation Measures Because this is a programmatic review, specific measures to reduce potential environmental impacts on a site-specific level were not identified. Prior to approving any use of land on the eight reservoirs, TVA would conduct an appropriate level of sitespecific environmental review to determine the potential environmental effects of the proposed use. TVA’s review process for potential actions on VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Sep 11, 2017 Jkt 241001 these lands is designed to identify ways to avoid and/or minimize potential adverse environmental impacts. Based on the findings of any site-specific environmental review, TVA may require the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, including best management practices, as conditions of approval for land use on the TVAmanaged lands. When considering future development of reservoir lands, TVA would also comply with other applicable environmental requirements, including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and applicable Executive Orders, and ensure that proper agency coordination and permitting requirements are met. In addition, all activities will be conducted in accordance with the stipulations defined in the programmatic agreement (PA) between TVA and the State Historic Preservation Officers (SHPO) of Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee, the Advisory Council of Historic Preservation, and federally recognized Indian tribes, that was established for implementation of the Natural Resources Plan in 2011. Under the agreement, TVA will consult with the appropriate SHPO and consulting parties when reviewing plans submitted to TVA. David Bowling, Vice President, Land and River Management. [FR Doc. 2017–19310 Filed 9–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8120–08–P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice and request for applications. AGENCY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is establishing a new two-year charter term and accepting applications from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC). The TEPAC is a trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy matters that have a significant impact on the environment. DATES: USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership on the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 TEPAC for the two-year charter term beginning on September 30, 2017, and expiring on September 29, 2019. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov or 202– 395–2864, or Sarah Stewart, Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, Sarah_Stewart@ustr.eop.gov or 202– 395–3858. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2155(c)(1)), authorizes the President to establish individual general trade policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture, services, investment, defense, small business, and other interests, as appropriate, to provide general policy advice. The President delegated that authority to the United States Trade Representative in Executive Order 11846, section 4(d), issued on March 27, 1975. In addition, we anticipate that the President will issue an Executive Order specifically concerning the TEPAC, which will continue its charter for two years. Advisory committees established by the Trade Representative are subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. See 19 U.S.C. 2155(f); 5 U.S.C. App. II. Pursuant to these authorities, the United States Trade Representative intends to establish a new two-year charter term for the TEPAC, which will begin on September 30, 2017 and end on September 29, 2019. The TEPAC is a trade advisory committee established to provide general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on trade policy matters that have a significant impact on the environment. More specifically, the TEPAC provides general policy advice on issues including: (1) Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before entering into trade agreements; (2) the environmental impact of the implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and administration of the trade policy of the United States. The TEPAC meets as needed, at the call of the United States Trade Representative or his/her designee, or two-thirds of the TEPAC members, depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade negotiations E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 12, 2017 / Notices and the needs of the United States Trade Representative. II. Membership The TEPAC is composed of not more than 35 members, including, but not limited to, representatives from environmental interest groups, industry (including the environmental technology and environmental services industries), agriculture, academia, consumer groups, services, nongovernmental organizations, and others with expertise in trade and environment matters. The United States Trade Representative appoints all TEPAC members for a term of four-years or until the TEPAC charter expires, and they serve at his/her discretion. Individuals can be reappointed for any number of terms. The United States Trade Representative makes appointments without regard to political affiliation and with an interest in ensuring balance in terms of sectors, demographics, and other factors relevant to the USTR’s needs. USTR intends for the TEPAC to be broadly representative of key sectors and groups of the economy with an interest in trade and environmental policy issues. TEPAC members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend meetings or otherwise participate in TEPAC activities. The United States Trade Representative appoints TEPAC members to represent their sponsoring U.S. entity’s interests on trade and the environment, and thus USTR’s foremost consideration for applicants is their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. Other criteria include the applicant’s knowledge of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work of the TEPAC and USTR. USTR anticipates that almost all TEPAC members will serve in a representative capacity with a limited number serving in an individual capacity as subject matter experts. These members, known as special government employees, are subject to conflict of interest rules and will have to complete a financial disclosure report. pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 III. Request for Nominations USTR is soliciting nominations for membership on the TEPAC. To apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria: 1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen. 2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. governmental entity. VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:19 Sep 11, 2017 Jkt 241001 3. If serving in an individual capacity, the applicant cannot be a federally registered lobbyist. 4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. 5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. 6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming majority of the TEPAC, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues relevant to trade and the environment or have personal experience or expertise in trade and the environment. For eligibility purposes, a ‘‘U.S. organization’’ is an organization established under the laws of the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. organizations, or U.S. entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of the organization’s annual revenue must be attributable to nongovernmental U.S. sources. 7. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding international trade and environmental issues. In order to be considered for TEPAC membership, interested persons should submit the following to Stewart Young at Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov: • Name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the individual requesting consideration. • If applicable, a sponsor letter on the organization’s letterhead containing a brief description of the manner in which international trade affects the organization and why USTR should consider the applicant for membership. • The applicant’s personal resume or comprehensive biography. • An affirmative statement that the applicant and the organization he or she represents meet all eligibility requirements. USTR will consider applicants who meet the eligibility criteria based on the following factors: Ability to represent the sponsoring U.S. entity’s or U.S. organization’s and its subsector’s interests on trade and environmental PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42875 matters; knowledge of and experience in trade and environmental matters relevant to the work of the TEPAC and USTR; and ensuring that the TEPAC is balanced in terms of points of view, demographics, geography, and entity or organization size. Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, Office of the United States Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2017–19296 Filed 9–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290–F7–P OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE Determination Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act Office of the United States Trade Representative. ACTION: Notice; correction. AGENCY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) published a document in the Federal Register of August 22, 2017, providing notice of its determination that Togo has adopted an effective visa system and related procedures to prevent the unlawful transshipment of textile and apparel articles and the use of counterfeit documents in connection with the shipment of such articles, and has implemented and follows, or is making substantial progress towards implementing and following, the custom procedures required by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), and therefore, imports of eligible products from Togo qualify for the textile and apparel benefits provided under the AGOA. This notice corrects an error in that document. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Constance Hamilton, Acting Assistant United States Trade Representative for African Affairs, (202) 395–9514 or Constance_Hamilton@ustr.eop.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Correction In the Federal Register of August 22, 2017, in FR Doc. 2017–17705, 82 FR 39940–41, on page 39941, in the first column, correct the last paragraph of the notice to read as follows: Accordingly, pursuant to the authority vested in the USTR in Proclamation 7350, U.S. note 7(a) to subchapter II of chapter 98 of the HTS, is modified by inserting ‘‘Togo’’ in alphabetical sequence in the list of countries, and U.S. notes 1 and 2(d) to subchapter XIX of chapter 98 of the HTS are modified to add in numerical E:\FR\FM\12SEN1.SGM 12SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42874-42875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19296]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE


Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade 
and Environment Policy Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice and request for applications.

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

SUMMARY: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is 
establishing a new two-year charter term and accepting applications 
from qualified individuals interested in serving as a member of the 
Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC). The TEPAC is a 
trade advisory committee that provides general policy advice to the 
United States Trade Representative on trade policy matters that have a 
significant impact on the environment.

DATES: USTR will accept nominations on a rolling basis for membership 
on the TEPAC for the two-year charter term beginning on September 30, 
2017, and expiring on September 29, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stewart Young, Deputy Assistant Trade 
Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement, 
Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov or 202-395-2864, or Sarah Stewart, Deputy 
Assistant Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, 
Sarah_Stewart@ustr.eop.gov or 202-395-3858.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

1. Background

    Section 135(c)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 
2155(c)(1)), authorizes the President to establish individual general 
trade policy advisory committees for industry, labor, agriculture, 
services, investment, defense, small business, and other interests, as 
appropriate, to provide general policy advice. The President delegated 
that authority to the United States Trade Representative in Executive 
Order 11846, section 4(d), issued on March 27, 1975. In addition, we 
anticipate that the President will issue an Executive Order 
specifically concerning the TEPAC, which will continue its charter for 
two years. Advisory committees established by the Trade Representative 
are subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. 
See 19 U.S.C. 2155(f); 5 U.S.C. App. II.
    Pursuant to these authorities, the United States Trade 
Representative intends to establish a new two-year charter term for the 
TEPAC, which will begin on September 30, 2017 and end on September 29, 
2019. The TEPAC is a trade advisory committee established to provide 
general policy advice to the United States Trade Representative on 
trade policy matters that have a significant impact on the environment. 
More specifically, the TEPAC provides general policy advice on issues 
including: (1) Negotiating objectives and bargaining positions before 
entering into trade agreements; (2) the environmental impact of the 
implementation of trade agreements; (3) matters concerning the 
operation of any trade agreement once entered into; and (4) other 
matters arising in connection with the development, implementation, and 
administration of the trade policy of the United States.
    The TEPAC meets as needed, at the call of the United States Trade 
Representative or his/her designee, or two-thirds of the TEPAC members, 
depending on various factors such as the level of activity of trade 
negotiations

[[Page 42875]]

and the needs of the United States Trade Representative.

II. Membership

    The TEPAC is composed of not more than 35 members, including, but 
not limited to, representatives from environmental interest groups, 
industry (including the environmental technology and environmental 
services industries), agriculture, academia, consumer groups, services, 
non-governmental organizations, and others with expertise in trade and 
environment matters. The United States Trade Representative appoints 
all TEPAC members for a term of four-years or until the TEPAC charter 
expires, and they serve at his/her discretion. Individuals can be 
reappointed for any number of terms. The United States Trade 
Representative makes appointments without regard to political 
affiliation and with an interest in ensuring balance in terms of 
sectors, demographics, and other factors relevant to the USTR's needs. 
USTR intends for the TEPAC to be broadly representative of key sectors 
and groups of the economy with an interest in trade and environmental 
policy issues.
    TEPAC members serve without either compensation or reimbursement of 
expenses. Members are responsible for all expenses they incur to attend 
meetings or otherwise participate in TEPAC activities.
    The United States Trade Representative appoints TEPAC members to 
represent their sponsoring U.S. entity's interests on trade and the 
environment, and thus USTR's foremost consideration for applicants is 
their ability to carry out the goals of section 135(c) of the Trade Act 
of 1974, as amended. Other criteria include the applicant's knowledge 
of and expertise in international trade issues as relevant to the work 
of the TEPAC and USTR. USTR anticipates that almost all TEPAC members 
will serve in a representative capacity with a limited number serving 
in an individual capacity as subject matter experts. These members, 
known as special government employees, are subject to conflict of 
interest rules and will have to complete a financial disclosure report.

III. Request for Nominations

    USTR is soliciting nominations for membership on the TEPAC. To 
apply for membership, an applicant must meet the following eligibility 
criteria:
    1. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen.
    2. The applicant cannot be a full-time employee of a U.S. 
governmental entity.
    3. If serving in an individual capacity, the applicant cannot be a 
federally registered lobbyist.
    4. The applicant cannot be registered with the U.S. Department of 
Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
    5. The applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a security 
clearance.
    6. For representative members, who will comprise the overwhelming 
majority of the TEPAC, the applicant must represent a U.S. organization 
whose members (or funders) have a demonstrated interest in issues 
relevant to trade and the environment or have personal experience or 
expertise in trade and the environment. For eligibility purposes, a 
``U.S. organization'' is an organization established under the laws of 
the United States, that is controlled by U.S. citizens, by another U.S. 
organization (or organizations), or by a U.S. entity (or entities), 
determined based on its board of directors (or comparable governing 
body), membership, and funding sources, as applicable. To qualify as a 
U.S. organization, more than 50 percent of the board of directors (or 
comparable governing body) and more than 50 percent of the membership 
of the organization to be represented must be U.S. citizens, U.S. 
organizations, or U.S. entities. Additionally, at least 50 percent of 
the organization's annual revenue must be attributable to 
nongovernmental U.S. sources.
    7. For members who will serve in an individual capacity, the 
applicant must possess subject matter expertise regarding international 
trade and environmental issues.
    In order to be considered for TEPAC membership, interested persons 
should submit the following to Stewart Young at 
Stewart.B.Young@ustr.eop.gov:
     Name, title, affiliation, and contact information of the 
individual requesting consideration.
     If applicable, a sponsor letter on the organization's 
letterhead containing a brief description of the manner in which 
international trade affects the organization and why USTR should 
consider the applicant for membership.
     The applicant's personal resume or comprehensive 
biography.
     An affirmative statement that the applicant and the 
organization he or she represents meet all eligibility requirements.
    USTR will consider applicants who meet the eligibility criteria 
based on the following factors: Ability to represent the sponsoring 
U.S. entity's or U.S. organization's and its subsector's interests on 
trade and environmental matters; knowledge of and experience in trade 
and environmental matters relevant to the work of the TEPAC and USTR; 
and ensuring that the TEPAC is balanced in terms of points of view, 
demographics, geography, and entity or organization size.

Stewart Young,
Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental 
Affairs and Public Engagement, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative.
[FR Doc. 2017-19296 Filed 9-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3290-F7-P
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