Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
october 2014

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federal agencies & administration

GAO critical of interagency response to ocean acidification

October 14, 2014

In an October 14 report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommended the formation of an independent office to streamline the federal response to ocean acidification. Currently, research into ecological, social, and economic effects of changing ocean chemistry is directed by an interagency task force led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and vice-chaired by representatives from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increase, oceans absorb an estimated 30 to 50 percent of annual gas emissions. This absorption makes oceans more acidic, which has adverse effects on species that produce carbonate shells, including plankton, corals, and bivalves. The proposed office would coordinate domestic and international research and ocean monitoring efforts as well as facilitating the exchange of relevant information.

After review of the interagency coalition’s strategic plan, the GAO found that the plan lacked coordination between task force members, specific mitigation and adaptation strategies, and budget requirement estimates. The GAO report suggests that a dedicated ocean acidification office would help accomplish the plan’s goals: better monitoring of ocean chemistry and further research on the carbon cycle and the ecological and social impacts of ocean acidification.

Sources: E&E News, Government Accountability Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Science

Updated 11/4/2014

House Democrats urge BLM to take action on illegal drilling

October 9, 2014

Following the recent release of a report by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), four House Democrats sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) encouraging it to strengthen its policies for preventing illegal drilling for federal mineral resources, which include oil and gas resources. The report, which we covered in a September news brief, found that BLM does not adequately deter illegal drilling for minerals on federal lands and has no official policy for discovering violations.

House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-WA), Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee Ranking Member Rush Holt (D-NJ), and Representatives Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) signed the letter which identifies two key issues: trespass, or illegal productions of federal minerals, and drilling without approval.  A combination of horizontal drilling practices that extend well bores for miles and patchwork land rights in many areas make it difficult to identify when companies produce minerals without authorization, whether intentional or not. Subsequently, illegal drilling creates safety and environmental concerns and does not allow for taxpayers to receive all tax revenue. The letter reiterates the importance of developing responses to illegal drilling and acknowledges Congress’ obligation to provide funding to support these activities.

In light of the report, BLM is reviewing OIG’s recommendations and will work to “strengthen [its] policies and procedures.”

Sources: E&E News, House Natural Resources Committee Minority Website

Updated 11/4/14

Gimbel to lead Water and Science office

October 3, 2014

On October 3, Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Sally Jewell named Jennifer Gimbel, who currently serves as Deputy Commissioner for External and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Bureau of Reclamation, to be Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. Ms. Gimbel will lead the Office of Water and Science, taking over the role vacated by former Assistant Secretary Anne Castle. The announcement came in tandem with two other appointments: Kristen Sarri will become Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Management & Budget, taking over responsibilities previously held by Rhea Suh when she was Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget, and Estevan Lopez will become Principal Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, taking over from Acting Commissioner Lowell Pimley.

Sources: E&E News, U.S. Department of the Interior 

Updated 11/4/14