Coastal elevations and sensitivity to sea level rise

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United States Environmental Protection Agency Charter
Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee

Filed with Congress on 7 June 2006

1. Committee's Official Designation (Title):

Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee

2. Authority:

This charter establishes the Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee (CESLAC) in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), 5 U.S.C. App.2 § 9 (c). CESLAC supports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its participation in the interagency U.S. Climate Change Science Program, specifically in implementation of Chapter 9 of The Strategic Plan for the Climate Change Science Program. CESLAC is in the public interest and supports EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities.

3. Objectives and Scope of Activities:

CESLAC will provide advice to the EPA Administrator on the conduct of a study titled Coastal Elevations and Sea Level Rise to be conducted as part of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program. Within the context of the basic study plan, CESLAC will advise on the specific issues to be addressed, appropriate technical approaches, the nature of information relevant to decision makers, the content of the final report, compliance with the Information Quality Act, and other matters important to the successful achievement of the objectives of the study.

4. Description of Committees Duties:

The duties of the CESLAC are solely advisory in nature.

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

CESLAC will submit advice and report to the EPA Administrator, through the Director of the Office of Atmospheric Programs in the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR).

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 Climate Change Division in the Office of Atmospheric Programs, OAR.

7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Person Years:

The estimated annual operating cost of the CESLAC is $121,795, which includes 0.30 staff years of support.

8. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:

CESLAC expects to meet approximately two (2) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every six (6) 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, CESLAC 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 522(b) of Title 5, United States Code. Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the CESLAC.

9. Duration and Termination:

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.

10. Member Composition:

CESLAC will be composed of approximately fifteen (15) members. Most members will serve as Regular Government Employees (RGE). Other members will serve as Special Government Employees (SGE), or as Representatives. In selecting members, EPA will appoint Federal government officials nominated by Agencies and Departments participating in the U.S. Climate Change Science Program synthesis and assessment report. Other candidates from coastal State and local governments, coastal communities, and interest groups will be considered for relevant technical expertise, experience, and perspectives

11. Subgroups:

EPA, or CESLAC with EPA’s approval, may form CESLAC 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 CESLAC 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 the Agency.

May 2, 2006
Agency Approval Date

May 11, 2006
GSA Consultation Date

June 7, 2006
Date Filed with Congress