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MISSION STATEMENT

 

Information provided for informational purposes only

Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

 

  • PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY. This Mission Statement establishes the Tolerance Reassessment Advisory Committee (TRAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C., App. 2 Section 9(c). The TRAC is being established as a subcommittee under the auspices of EPA's National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. The purpose of TRAC is to provide advice and counsel to the Administrator regarding a strategic approach for organophosphate pesticide tolerance reassessment. It is determined that TRAC is in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the Agency by law.

     

  • OBJECTIVES. TRAC provides independent advice and counsel to the Administrator on issues such as:

    - developing an appropriate process for making tolerance reassessment decisions under the Food Quality Protection Act;

    - recommending the proper policy framework for deciding when there is adequate scientific information, when new information is needed, and when it is scientifically appropriate to use estimates in the absence of actual measurements;

    - recommending ways to increase the pace of decision-making to make available to growers newer and safer pesticides and new uses of registered pesticides that meet the new Food Quality Protection Act safety standards;

    - developing common sense strategies for reducing risk to acceptable levels while retaining those pesticides of the highest public value, and identifying opportunities for reasonable transition mechanisms;

    - assuring appropriate priority is given to assessing the organophosphates that are most likely to lead to exposure in children's foods;

    - fostering improved communication and understanding among all stakeholders regarding tolerance reassessment decisions for organophosphate pesticides; and,

    - assuring appropriate public participation in our decision making.

     

  • OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE ACTIVITY. The Committee will provide a forum for a diverse group of individuals representing a broad range of interests and backgrounds from across the country to consult with and make recommendations to the Administrator on matters relating to an approach for reassessing tolerances for organophosphate pesticides.

    The Committee shall hold four public meetings, analyze issues, review and compile information, make recommendations, compile reports, and undertake other activities necessary to meet its responsibilities.

     

  • COMPOSITION. TRAC shall be composed of approximately 45 members approved by the Deputy Administrator of EPA and the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Members shall be selected based on their relevant experience and diversity of perspectives on organophosphate pesticide/food safety issues and will be appointed for approximately four months. Committee members shall be appointed with balanced representation from the following sectors: environmental and public interest groups; pesticide industry and trade associations; user, grower and commodity organizations; pediatric and public health organizations; Federal agencies, tribal, state, and local governments; academia; and, consumer groups. The Deputy Administrator of EPA and the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture will serve as Co-Chairs.

     

  • MEETINGS. The Committee will hold four meetings between May and July 1998. A regular employee of the Agency will act as the Designated Federal Officer who will be present or represented at all meetings and is authorized to adjourn any such meetings whenever the official determines it to be in the public interest.

    All Committee meetings will be called, announced, and held in accordance with FACA and NACEPT, which requires open meetings, and an opportunity for interested persons to file comments before or after meetings, or to make statements during the public meetings to the extent time permits.

    Each meeting shall be conducted in accordance with an agenda approved in advance by the Designated Federal Officer. Budgetary support for TRAC is provided by the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. The estimated operating costs for the four or five meetings totals approximately $170,000, and 2.0 work years of staff support.

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