Last week we noted the paradoxical new policy limiting the role of lobbyists on federal advisory committees. Reportedly, the Commerce Department and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative took this request very seriously and contacted companies and organizations with representatives serving on Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITAC). With an Oct. 30 deadline, participants must certify they are not lobbyists, or a replacement must be found before their term is complete. About 132 people on ITACs are registered lobbyists. If current panel members want to be reappointed, they have to submit a statement affirming that they are not federally registered lobbyists. Other federal agencies may be also considering how to implement this new policy.

According to a National Journal blog Under the Influence, ($$) the Commerce department has received requests to appeal the exclusion of registered lobbyists from the ITACs and are working with companies to find alternatives to serve on the boards.