September 15, 2016

On September 15, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced a resolution (S.Res.562) officially designating the week of October 9-15, 2016, as Earth Science Week (ESW). The resolution successfully passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 28.

Earth Science Week is an international educational event that provides learning opportunities and activities to K-12 students, educators, and the public to promote better understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. This year’s ESW theme “Our Shared Geoheritage,” celebrates areas or geological features that hold particular value within the geosciences as cultural, educational, historical, aesthetic, or scientific landmarks.

Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Gary Peters (D-MI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) joined Sen. Murkowski as cosponsors of the bill.

Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) introduced a similar resolution last year (H.Res.472), which officially designated October 11-17, 2015, as ESW.

Sources: Congress.gov, Earthscienceweek.org