Bipartisan Coalition of Senators Endorses Earth Science Week

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators from across the country have come together in support of the American Geosciences Institute’s 19th annual Earth Science Week celebration. The coalition, which consists of Members of Congress from Alaska to Florida, formally introduced a Senate resolution officially designating the week of October 9, 2016 through October 15, 2016 as “Earth Science Week.”

“What this resolution clearly shows is that earth science impacts us all,” said Allyson K. Anderson Book, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. “Whether you’re exploring for hydrocarbons off the North Slope of Alaska or studying the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs in Florida, earth science helps us make informed decisions about our natural resources.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the senior Senator from Alaska and the Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, introduced S. Res. 562 on September 15, 2016. It formally passed the Senate by unanimous consent on September 28, 2016. The resolution emphasizes how a strong foundation in the earth sciences contributes to our ability to serve as responsible stewards of the Earth and its resources.

“Our resolution is a tribute to the outstanding work of our nation’s earth scientists and their remarkable contributions to our health, safety and prosperity,” Sen. Murkowski said. “As a Senator for Alaska, in everything from energy and mineral production to volcano monitoring and geologic mapping, I see the critical importance of these fields on a daily basis-and that’s why I am so proud to help recognize Earth Science Week.”

Earth Science Week is a nonpartisan educational event that provides learning opportunities and activities to K-12 educators and the general public. Since 1998, Earth Science Week has promoted a better understanding of the role Earth science plays in society. This year’s theme, “Our Shared Geoheritage” emphasizes America’s unique sites, areas, and geologic features of significant scientific, educational, cultural, historic, or aesthetic value.

Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bill Nelson (D-Florida), Gary Peters (D-Michigan), Angus King (I-Maine), Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts), and Martin Heinrich (D-New Mexico) joined Senator Murkowski as cosponsors of the resolution.

To read the full text of the resolution, S. Res. 562, please visit https://www.congress.gov/114/bills/sres562/BILLS-114sres562is.pdf. For more information on Earth Science Week, please visit: www.earthsciweek.org.