Good Neighbor Environmental Board Charter

United States Environmental Protection Agency Charter

Good Neighbor Environmental Board

1. Committee's Official Designation (Title):
    Good Neighbor Environmental Board
    
2.  Authority:
   The Good Neighbor Environmental Board was established September 12, 1994, pursuant to Section 6 of the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 5404, and Section 10 of Executive Order 12916, as amended, dated May 13, 1994. The GNEB was continued under the authority of Executive Order 14354, dated September 29, 2025, and operates under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 10.
    
3. Objectives and Scope of Activities:
   Section 6 of the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative Act, 7 U.S.C. Section 5404, directs the GNEB to provide advice, information and recommendations on the need for implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects (including projects that affect agriculture, rural development, and human nutrition) within the States of the United States contiguous to Mexico in order to improve the quality of life of persons residing on the United States side of the border.
    
4. Description of Duties:
   The duties of GNEB are solely advisory in nature. As required by the Act, the GNEB shall submit an annual report on environmental and infrastructure projects that have been implemented, and the need for the implementation of additional environmental and infrastructure projects. The GNEB may also issue comment letters on timely issues that arise between issuance of annual reports.
    
5. Agency or Federal Officer Receiving the Advisory Committee’s Advice/Recommendations:
   The GNEB advises the President as well as the Congress. The Council on Environmental Quality will be responsible for fulfilling the requirements of FACA Section 6(b).
    
6. Support:
   Support will be provided by the Office of Policy and Regulatory Management Branch, Office of the Administrator.
    
7. Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years: 
   Estimated Annual Operating Costs and Staff Years. The estimated annual costs to operate the Council include the following:
   i. Federal Personnel. Federal personnel (based on full-time equivalent (FTE) usage basis) and other Federal internal costs. The estimated annual person years of staff support required is 2.0, at an estimated annual cost of $300,968. The estimated cost for other federal members is $29,500. The estimate for other Federal internal costs is $4,242.
   ii. Other Costs. The GNEB will be comprised of Representative members who will not receive payment for their service while on the committee. The estimate for other costs is $55,000.
   iii. Reimbursable costs. The estimate for reimbursable costs, including members’ travel expenses, is $1,625.
   iv. The estimated total cost is $391,335.
    
8. Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:
   The committee expects to meet approximately three (3) times a year. Meetings may occur approximately once every four (4) months or as needed and approved by the DFO. As required by FACA, the GNEB will hold open meetings unless the EPA Administrator determines that a meeting or a portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c). Interested persons may attend meetings, appear before the committee as time permits, and file comments with the GNEB.
    
9. Duration:
   The duration of GNEB is continuing, subject to the Termination section below.
    
10. Termination:
    Unless continued by the President, the committee will terminate on September 30, 2027,consistent with Executive Order 14354, dated September 29, 2025.
     
11. Membership and Designation: 
    The GNEB will be composed of approximately 11-15 members who will serve as representative members of non-federal interests or regular government employees (RGEs).
    Representative members are selected to represent the points of view held by organizations, associations, or classes of individuals. In selecting members, EPA will consider candidates from the United States Government, including the Department of Agriculture and other appropriate agencies; representatives from the governments of the states of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas; Tribal governments and communities; and private organizations, including community development, academic, health, environmental, and other non-governmental entities.
     
12. Subcommittees:
    The EPA, or the GNEB with the EPA’s approval, may form subcommittees or workgroups for any purpose consistent with this charter. Such subcommittees or workgroups may not work independently of the chartered committee and must report their recommendations and advice to the chartered GNEB for full deliberation and discussion. Subcommittees or workgroups have no authority to make decisions on behalf of the chartered committee, nor can they report directly to the President.
     

April 27, 2026
Agency Approval Date

April 23, 2026
GSA Consultation Date

May 5, 2026
Date Filed with Congress