Frequent Questions about the Hazardous Waste Electronic Manifest System (e-Manifest) Advisory Board
On This Page:
- What is the purpose of the e-Manifest Advisory Board?
- What is the composition of the Board?
- How were the committee members selected to the Board?
- Will stakeholders other than the appointed members have an opportunity to provide input during e-Manifest Advisory Board meetings?
What is the purpose of the e-Manifest Advisory Board?
The Advisory Board is in the public interest and supports EPA in performing its duties and responsibilities. The Advisory Board will provide recommendations on matters related to the operational activities, functions, policies and regulations of the EPA under the e-Manifest Act, including:
- Evaluating the effectiveness of the e-Manifest Information Technology (IT) system and associated user fees and processes.
- Providing practical and independent advice on matters and policies related to the e-Manifest program.
- Identifying issues and problems in the e-Manifest area including issues identified in EPA's E-Enterprise strategy that intersect with e-Manifest.
- Advising on regulations and guidance as required by the e-Manifest Act.
- Proposing actions to encourage the use of the electronic (paperless) system.
The Advisory Board will also meet to assess the adequacy and reasonableness of the service fees and, if necessary, make recommendations to the EPA Administrator to adjust the fees accordingly.
What is the composition of the Board?
The e-Manifest Act stipulates that the e-Manifest FACA committee shall be composed of nine members consisting of the EPA Administrator (or her designee), two members from the information technology sector, three members from state agencies, and three members from regulated industry.
How were the committee members selected to the Board?
EPA followed a robust and deliberative process to select the Advisory Board members:
- First, EPA solicited nominations to the Advisory Board through a variety of outlets, including the Federal Register, various professional associations, EPA’s e-Manifest ListServ, and the Office of Small Business Programs.
- EPA received an enthusiastic response from candidates with expertise in information technology and from the sectors affected by the future e-Manifest system, including state governments, transportation, and hazardous waste management.
- From these nominations, EPA selected eight individuals based on their workforce sector status as required by the Act as well as their background and experiences that would help contribute to the diversity of perspectives on the Board (e.g., geographic, economic, social, cultural, educational background, professional affiliations, and other considerations). The final Board composition reflects a wide array of expertise, including decades of experience with managing hazardous waste at the generator, transporter, and final hazardous waste management facility.
Will stakeholders other than the appointed members have an opportunity to participate in e-Manifest Advisory Board meetings?
Yes. EPA will announce e-Manifest Advisory Board meetings via the Federal Register and this website. All e-Manifest Advisory Board meetings are open to the public. Every meeting provides an opportunity for public comment.