Advancing Science and Policy Using the Federal Advisory Committee Process: SOGW as an Example

Advisory committees have played an important role in shaping programs and policies of the federal government from the earliest days of the Republic.  For example, President George Washington sought the advice of such a committee during the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Since then, contributions made by these groups have been significant, but perhaps under recognized. Through the enactment of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972 (Public Law 92-463), the U.S. Congress formally recognized the merits of seeking the advice and assistance of our nation's citizens. At the same time, the Congress also sought to assure that advisory committees provide advice that is relevant, objective, and open to the public; act promptly to complete their work; and comply with reasonable cost controls and recordkeeping requirements.  The Advisory Committee on Water Information’s Subcommittee on Ground Water (SOGW) is an example where interested scientists representing state and federal agencies, academia, non-government organizations, and others demonstrated the need for a ground-water specific advisory committee to address the nation’s ground-water monitoring needs. Subsequently, the SOGW was formed and charged with preparing a framework for a national ground water monitoring network (NGWMN) that would identify national goals, incorporate a sound scientific design, present acceptable field practices, identify data standards and management methods, and provide recommendations for implementation. This presentation will demonstrate that the SOGW has been very successful in meeting its mission under the guidance and constraints of FACA requirements. Society will be facing increasing pressure to manage and maintain our water resources in the future, and the SOGW model presents a successful avenue for interested citizen-scientists to provide valuable input to guide national policy directives. Also, advisory committees present an opportunity to act on important emerging water resource issues that would benefit from guidance by diverse stakeholders.