Urban Indian Leaders Encouraged to Apply for New Environment Protection Agency Advisory Committee on Children’s Health

On July 7, 2022, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) announced a  request for applications to fill vacant seats on the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC).  Appointed members of the CHPAC serve a three-year term and the expected workload is approximately 10-15 hours per month. The CHPAC provides policy advice and recommendations to EPA on issues associated with regulations, economics, and outreach/communications to address the prevention of adverse health effects to children, as well as critical policy and technical issues relating to children’s health. The CHPAC meets two to three times annually and the EPA reimburses members for travel and other incidental expenses. As both health care providers and non-governmental organizations, leaders from Urban Indian Organizations (UIOs) are eligible to apply for an appointment to the Committee. Nominations should be submitted by August 15, 2022, to EPA_CHPAC@icfi.com and Nguyen.Amelia@epa.gov. For details on what is required in the nomination package, see here. The EPA intends to fill vacancies on CHPAC by March 1, 2023.

CHPAC Objectives and Scope

Chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), CHPAC was established in 1997 to provide independent advice to the EPA Administrator on a wide range of environmental issues and their impact on children’s health. According to the CHPAC Charter, the CHPAC  is composed of approximately 24-30 members who provide policy advice, information, and recommendations to assist EPA in the development of regulations, guidance, and policies to address children’s environmental health. Committee members generally serve as Representatives of non-Federal interests. The CHPAC  is looking for candidates from industry; Federal, State, local, and Tribal governments; school systems; academia; healthcare providers; and non-governmental organizations. . In considering nominees for the CHPAC, the EPA is looking for background and experience that will contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the committee.

Call to Action

NCUIH encourages interested UIO leaders to submit nomination materials to EPA by August 15, 2022. Because American Indians/Alaska Natives living in urban areas experience the kind of health complications due to environmental issues that the EPA seeks to address, UIO leaders have the experience and expertise to be valuable committee members. The EPA intends to fill vacancies on the CHPAC by March 1, 2023.

Please contact NCUIH policy at policy@ncuih.org if you would like assistance with submission or if you plan to apply.