Sec. 604. Advisory Committee on Water Information
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/bill/117/hr/5118/eh/section-604A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
There is established within the Department of the Interior an advisory committee, to be known as the Advisory Committee on Water Information , to advise the Secretary, Departments, and Council on the development and implementation of the National Water Data Framework. The Advisory Committee shall be composed of members, to be appointed by the Secretary, in consultation with the Administrators of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, in a manner that provides for— balanced representation among various entities involved in water-related activities; and consideration for a geographic balance of individuals representing localities across the United States.
Members of the Advisory Committee shall be selected by the Secretary from among entities involved in water-related activities, including— States; Indian Tribes; local governments; Federal entities; water agencies, utilities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, acequias, and other water user associations; organizations that facilitate collaboration across States and multi-state instrumentalities; educational institutions; professional organizations; water data and technology-related experts, professionals, and industries; private sector entities; and nonprofit organizations.
Members of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Secretary for a term not to exceed 4 years. The Secretary shall serve as the Chair of the Advisory Committee. The United States Geological Survey shall provide support services for the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair, but not less frequently than 4 times each year. The duties of the Advisory Committee are to advise the Secretary, Departments, and Council on— the development and implementation of the National Water Data Framework; efforts to operate a cost-effective national network of water data collection and analysis that meets the priority water information needs of the Federal Government and, to the extent practicable using available resources, the needs of the non-Federal community that are tied to national interests; efforts to develop uniform standards, guidelines, and procedures for the collection, analysis, management, and dissemination of water information to improve quality, consistency, and accessibility nationwide; and the effectiveness of existing water information programs and recommended modifications needed to respond to changes in legislation, technology, and other conditions.
To the extent practicable, the Advisory Committee shall coordinate with the National Water Quality Monitoring Council and other water data related entities convened by the Federal Government. Not later than two years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every two years thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit a report of activities carried out by the Advisory Committee and a recommendation to continue, modify the duties of, or terminate the Advisory Committee. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.
App.) shall apply to the Advisory Committee. Section 14(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Committee.