Official Designation: United States Geological Survey – Climate Change Science Program Committee for Synthesis and Assessment Product 1.2: Past Climate Variability and Change in the Arctic and at High Latitudes.

Scope and Objectives: The committee will provide advice and recommendations and develop a draft Synthesis and Assessment (S&A) Product that addresses topic 1.2: Past Climate Variability and Change in the Arctic and at High Latitudes. This research is authorized by the Secretary of the Interior and lead by the USGS in cooperation with the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP). The committee will work to fulfill the following objectives:

1. Provide perspective on the implementation and refinement of the study approach.
2. Synthesize and assess paleoclimate data and scientific literature relevant to the subject.

Description of Duties: Consistent with the scope and objectives described above, the committee is authorized to perform the following duties:

1. Assist USGS in developing a draft CCSP S&A product that addresses Topic 1.2:. Past Climate Variability and Change in the Arctic and at High Latitudes. The committee is directed to comply with USGS Information Quality Act guidelines in the development of the S&A product.
2. Meet and discuss issues relating to the study design, research methodology, data sources and quality, and study findings in development of the S&A product.
3. Review and assess preliminary research findings and draft products.
4. Provide advice, recommendations and updates on the topic to USGS.
5. Respond to other related assignments made by the USGS.

Duration: The committee is subject to the provisions of FACA and shall take no action unless the charter filing requirements of section 9 of FACA have been complied with. The committee is subject to biennial review and will terminate two years from the date the charter is filed, unless, prior to that time; the charter is renewed in accordance with section 14 of FACA.

Agency or Official to who the Committee Reports: The advisory committee reports to the Secretary of the Department of Interior through the Director of the USGS.

Estimated Annual Operating Costs: Annual costs to administer the committee are estimated at $25,000. Federal employees associated with management and participation comprise 0.35 FTE at an annual cost of $47,800.

Allowances for Committee Members: Members of the committee serve without compensation. However, while away from their homes or regular places of business, members engaged in council business approved by the DFO will be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in Government service under section 5703 of title 5 of the United States Code.

Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings: It is anticipated that the committee will meet approximately three times a year.

Committee Membership: The committee will be comprised of at least 4 members to be appointed by the Secretary. It will include non-federal and federal scientists, educators and other experts who are engaged in climate related matters. Non-Federal members will carry the designation of Special Government Employee. Each member will be appointed for a term of 2 years and will serve at the discretion of the Secretary. Appointments are renewable for additional terms.

Ethical Responsibility: All members will comply with applicable ethics rules and regulations. The Department of the Interior will provide materials to those members appointed as Special Government Employees, explaining their ethical obligations with which the members should be familiar. Consistent with the ethics requirements, members will endeavor to avoid any actions that would cause the public to question the integrity of the Commission’s operations, activities, or advice. The provisions of this paragraph do not affect any other statutory or regulatory ethical obligations to which a member may be subject.

Designated Federal Officer: The DFO will be selected at the discretion of the Director of the USGS.

Subgroups: The committee may establish such workgroups or subcommittees as it deems necessary for the purposes of compiling information or conducting research. However, such workgroups may not conduct business and must report to the full committee.

Authority: The committee is established pursuant to the Department of Interior and USGS participation in the CCSP synthesis and assessment process associated with the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-606, Section 106).

Secretary of the Interior/Signed