Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in early September asked for nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for a two-year term. Task force members advise the Secretary on air quality and its relationship to agriculture based on sound scientific findings supported by federal agencies.

USDA is committed to ensuring that the task force is composed of people who have interest and diverse expertise in air quality issues related to agriculture. Equal opportunity practices, in line with the USDA policies, will be followed in all appointments to the task force, which will include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Applying for Membership

The Federal Register notice announcing the request for nominations to the task force contains information about how to nominate an interested person for membership. Interested candidates may nominate themselves. Nominations should be typed and include the following:

• A brief summary (two pages or less) explaining the nominee’s qualifications to serve on the task force
• A resume providing the nominee’s background, experience, and educational qualifications
• A completed background disclosure form (Form AD-755) signed by the nominee
• Any recent publications by the nominee relative to agricultural air quality (if appropriate)
• Letters of endorsement (optional)

Nominations can be submitted to Greg Zwicke, the Designated Federal Officer for the Task Force, by either:

• E-mail: greg.zwicke@usda.gov
• Mail or Hand Delivery: Mr. Greg Zwicke, Designated Federal Officer, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA-NRCS, West National Technology Support Center, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building A, Suite 314B, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Mail must be post marked by November 9, 2020.