U.S. Department of Energy
Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee Charter

December 17, 2009

1. Committee's Official Designation:
   Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee (NEAC)*


2. Authority: This charter establishes the Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee (Committee) under the authority of the Department of Energy (DOE). The Committee is being renewed in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee (FACA), as amended, 5 U.S.C., App.


3. Objectives and Scope of Activities. The activities of the Committee include:
   The activities of the Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee include:
   
   
   • Advice on national policy and scientific aspects of nuclear issues of concern to the Department of Energy, (DOE) as requested by the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy.
   
   
   • Periodic reviews of the various program elements within the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) and DOE nuclear programs and recommendations based thereon.
   
   
   • Ascertaining the needs, views, and priorities of stakeholders of NE programs, and advice on long-range plans, priorities, and strategies to address more effectively the technical, financial, and policy aspects of DOE nuclear programs.
   
   
   • Advice on appropriate levels of funding to develop those plans priorities, and strategies to help maintain appropriate balance between the competing elements within NE and DOE nuclear programs.
   
   
4. Description of Duties: The duties of the Committee are solely advisory.


5. Official to Whom the Committee Reports: The Committee will report to DOE, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy.


6. Agency Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support: The Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy will provide financial and administrative support to the Committee.


7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years: The estimated annual costs associated with supporting the Committee is approximately $400,000; one-half person year.


8. Designated Federal Officer (DFO): A full-time or permanent part-time DOE employee, appointed in accordance with agency procedures, will serve as the DFO (or designee). The DFO or designee will approve or call all of the advisory committee’s and subcommittee’s meetings, and prepare and approve all meeting agendas, attend all committee meetings, and adjourn any meeting when the DFO determines adjournment to be in the public interest. The DFO will be a member of the staff in the Office of Nuclear Energy.


9. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings: The Committee will meet periodically, approximately two to three times per year. Meetings may occur as frequently as needed and approved by the DFO.


10. Duration: In view of the goals and purposes of the Committee, it is expected to be continuing in nature.


11. Committee Termination Date: 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 the Federal Advisory Committee Act.


12. Membership and Designation: The Committee will be comprised of approximately 20 members appointed by the Secretary of Energy. Members shall be experts in their respective field and appointed as special Government employees or representatives of entities including, but not limited to, research facilities, academic and policy-centered institutions, and industrial organizations, should the Committee’s task require such representation. Members will serve on the committee for no longer than four years without reappointment and the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee will be appointed by the Secretary of Energy from among the Committee members.
    
    Members of the Committee will serve without compensation. However, each member may be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations for per diem and travel expenses incurred while attending Committee meetings.


13. Subcommittees: To facilitate the functioning of the Committee, subcommittees may be formed with DOE approval. The objectives of the subcommittees are to make recommendations to the parent committee with respect to particular matters related to the responsibilities of the parent committee. Such committees or workgroups may not work independently of the chartered committee and must report their recommendations and advice to the full committee for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittee members are appointed with DOE, NE approval, and do not have to be members of the Advisory Committee.


14. Recordkeeping: The records of the Committee shall be handled in accordance with General Records Schedule 26, Item 2, and Administrative Records Schedule 16, Item 8b (1.1), and approved agency records disposition schedule. These records shall be available for public inspection and copying, subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552.


15. Date filed with Congress: December 12, 2009


This Charter for the Advisory Committee named above
is hereby approved on:

Date: December 12, 2009
Signed By: Carol A. Matthews
Acting Committee Management Officer

*NEAC (formerly NERAC)