The document discusses three science advisory boards: the National Academies of Science, the US EPA Science Advisory Board, and the International Joint Commission SAB. It describes how each was established, its purpose, membership structure, appointment process, and typical review process. The boards provide independent scientific advice and guidance to various government agencies and policymakers.

1. Deb Swackhamer
Chemical Regulation and Policy Project
Work Group Meeting
October 26, 2011

2. National Academies of Science
 Established in 1863 by President Lincoln
 National Research Council established in 1916
 Includes National Academy of Engineering and
Institute of Medicine

3. US EPA Science Advisory Board
 Established 1978 by ERDDA (Environmental
Development and Demonstration Authority)
 To provide guidance and advice to Administrator
 Functions under the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA)
 Chartered SAB is approximately 40 members; they
serve as chairs of standing committees and ad hoc
panels

4. International Joint Commission SAB
 Established in 1978 under the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement of US and Canada
 Purpose is to assist the Commission in its duties to
restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and
biological integrity of the Great Lakes ecosystem
 Equal representation of US and Canada; co-chairs
 Create working groups as needed

5. Appointments
 All three have permanent professional staff
 Staff prepare list of candidates, vet them, balance
geography and scientific expertise and diversity
 Staff present recommendations to Executive
Committee (NAS), Administrator
(EPA), Commissioners (IJC)
 With rare exception, staff recommendations accepted
 Politics does not play a role

6. Process: Client:
NAS/NRC Congress, Fed Agency
Staff Charge to
Committee
Report
NAS
Standing Boards
NRC NRC
panels panels

7. Process: Client:
Administrator, Program Offices
EPA
Staff Charge to
Committee
Report
Chartered Board
Ad Hoc Ad Hoc
panels panels

8. Process: Client:
IJC Commissioners
Staff Charge to
Committee:
Bienniel
Report Report
Board
Working Working
Group Group

9. In All Cases:
 Charge is negotiated before work starts
 Resources devoted to task is negotiated before work
starts
 Clear and transparent time line for completion of task

10. Possible Client:
Process: Legislature, Exec Branch
MN Staff Charge to
Committee
Report
Ad Hoc Ad Hoc
panels panels