GeoSpectrum

Geoscientists are welcome to join organized groups of scientists and engineers for workshops and visits with congressional members and committees in April and September. The purpose of the visits is to explain the value of science and engineering and to request needed investments in research and education.

The Science-Engineering-Technology Working Group is organizing workshops, events and visits for April 28-29, 2009. Several geoscience societies, including AGI, AAPG, AGU and GSA, are involved in these events and we expect a large number of geoscientists to participate. Please contact Linda Rowan, rowan@agiweb.org, Director of Government Affairs at AGI or the public policy office of one of the other geoscience societies for more details and to sign-up.

More information about the Science-Engineering-Technology Congressional Visits Day is available at www.setcvd.org

The Geosciences Working Group is organizing workshops, events and visits for September 15-16, 2009. Several geoscience societies, including AGI, AAPG, AGU and GSA, are involved in organizing these events and we expect a large number of geoscientists to participate. Please contact Linda Rowan, rowan@agiweb.org, Director of Government Affairs at AGI or the public policy office of one of the other geoscience societies for more details and to sign-up. Geosciences have a significant role to play in federal policy and advice from citizen geoscientists is very important.

USGS Coalition to Honor Reps. Dicks and Regula at Congressional Reception

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Norman Dicks (D-WA) and Ralph Regula (R-OH) will be presented with the first USGS Coalition Leadership Award at a congressional reception on Monday, September 15, 2008. They will be honored for their enduring support for the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Representative Dicks is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies and Representative Ralph Regula is former Chairman of the Subcommittee. Additionally, the USGS Coalition reception will highlight the research, information sharing, and services provided by the USGS.

“The U.S. Geological Survey is one of the nation’s premiere science agencies. It benefits the lives of every American,” said Dr. Craig Schiffries, co-chair of the USGS Coalition and director for geoscience policy at the Geological Society of America. “Representatives Dicks and Regula are being honored for promoting the important science sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey and for providing the agency with the funding required to address many of our nation’s most pressing challenges,” said Schiffries. Data and products derived from USGS research benefit everyone. The work conducted and supported by the USGS informs natural hazards monitoring, drinking-water studies, biological and geological resource assessments, and other activities.

“The need for science in support of public policy decision-making has never been greater,” said Dr. Robert Gropp, USGS Coalition co-chair and director of public policy at the American Institute of Biological Sciences. “USGS scientists produce knowledge that supports water, energy and mineral resource management, wildlife and ecosystem management, and protection and prevention measures for natural disasters. Representatives Dicks and Regula have long recognized this and worked to provide the agency with the resources necessary to serve our nation,” said Gropp.

“We look forward to this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the leadership of Representatives Dicks and Regula on behalf of the U.S. Geological Survey.” said Schiffries. USGS scientists and their collaborators will be on hand at the reception to discuss the vital work the USGS conducts in the biological, geographical, geological and hydrological sciences. The reception will occur from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in the Gold Room (Room 2168) of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Members of the news media interested in attending the Reception or receiving additional information about the USGS Coalition should contact mkelhart@aibs.org.