RE: Introduction

[Tim Sherer <sherer.tim@epa.gov>]

In response to your request for me to elaborate on federal advisory committees at EPA and what happens to the advice generated, the following is provided:

Advice generated by the federal advisory committees does not go to my office.  My office supports and facilitates federal advisory committees.  The advice itself goes to whomever the customer is for that particular advisory committee.  Some EPA advisory committees set up by statute provide reports to the President and Congress. Others established by the EPA Administrator provide advice to the Administrator.  Still other EPA advisory committees set up by the EPA Administrator provide advice to the EPA program offices.  

This advice may be used by the EPA customer, or the EPA customer can decide not to use it.  What these advisory committees provide is advice, and there is no obligation on the agency to follow this advice.  That being said, federal advisory committees are an excellent tool to received independent advice.  The committees are balance in their points of view by recruiting members with different points of view. A vast majority of the members do not work for the federal government.  With these varying points of view, the advice generated tends to be well thought out, insightful, and useful.  

Take a look at the web site,   http://www.epa.gov/ocem

Click on the button labeled "EPA FACA Committees."  Read the first report entitled,"Status Report on EPA Advisory Committees."

This will give you a concise overview of EPA federal advisory committees.