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United States Environmental Protection Agency Advisory Charter - EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition

 

  1. Committee's Official Designation (Title):

    EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition

  2. Authority:

    This charter renews the EPA-USDA Committee to Advise on Reassessment and Transition (CARAT) in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App.2 § 9 (c). CARAT is in the public interest and supports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding strategic approaches for pest management planning and tolerance reassessment for pesticides as required by the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) of 1996.

  3. Objectives and Scope of Activities:

    CARAT will provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator of EPA and the Secretary of USDA on issues including:

    1. Identifying opportunities for reasonable transition and strategic pest management planning for agriculture and public health uses of pesticides;

    2. Promoting sound science and transparency in the scientific risk assessments necessary to implement the Food Quality Protection Act, including tolerance reassessment and pesticide reregistration;

    3. Assuring appropriate priority is given to risk management strategies for the pesticides that are most likely to lead to exposures to children;

    4. Ensuring acceptable pesticide safety while developing strategic approaches for critical pest control needs;

    5. Increasing the availability of safer pest management strategies, including chemical and non-chemical alternatives, for growers and other users;

    6. Fostering transparency and public participation in decision making.

  4. Description of Committees Duties:

    The duties of CARAT are solely advisory in nature.

  5. Official(s) to Whom the Committee Reports:

    The CARAT will submit advice and recommendations and report to the EPA Administrator, through the Office of Pesticide Programs, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, and to the Secretary of USDA, through the Office of Pest Management.

  6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support:

    EPA will be responsible for financial and administrative support. Within EPA, this support will be provided by the Office of Pesticide Programs, Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.

  7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Work Years:

    The estimated annual operating cost of the CARAT is $250,000 which includes 1.2
    person-years of support.

  8. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:

    CARAT expects to meet approximately two (2) or three (3) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every four (4) months or as needed and approved by the Designated Federal Officer (DFO). EPA may pay travel and per diem expenses when determined necessary and appropriate. A full-time or permanent part-time employee of EPA will be appointed as the DFO. The DFO or a designee will be present at all meetings and each meeting will be conducted in accordance with an agenda approved in advance by the DFO. The DFO is authorized to adjourn any meeting when he or she determines it is in the public interest to do so.

    As required by FACA, CARAT will hold open meetings unless the EPA Administrator determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection c of section 552b of title 5, United States Code. Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the CARAT.

  9. Duration and Termination:

    CARAT will be examined annually and will exist until the EPA Deputy Administrator, after consultation with the USDA Deputy Secretary, determines the committee is no longer needed. This charter will be in effect for two years from the date it is filed with Congress. After this two-year period, the charter may be renewed as authorized in accordance with Section 14 of FACA (5 U.S.C. App.2 § 14).

  10. Member Composition:

    CARAT will be composed of approximately forty (40) members. Most members, with the exception of members who are Federal officials, will serve as representatives of non-Federal interests. Members will be selected from among, but are not limited to, the following sectors: pesticide user, grower and commodity groups; consumer and environmental/public interest groups; farm worker organizations; pesticide industry and trade associations; State, local and Tribal governments; Federal government; academia; the general public; and public health organizations.

  11. Subgroups:

    CARAT, with EPA’s and USDA’s approval, may form subcommittees or workgroups for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees or workgroups may not work independently of the chartered committee and must report their recommendations and advice to the CARAT for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered committee nor can they report directly to EPA or USDA.

June 7, 2004 - - Agency Approval Date

June 9, 2004 - - GSA Consultation Date

June 17, 2004 - - Date Filed with Congress




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