Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
june 2016
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federal agencies & administration
Women chosen to lead National Science Board
June 10, 2016
The National Science Board (NSB) recently announced the election of Dr. Maria Zuber as chair and Dr. Diane Souvaine as vice chair. Zuber and Souvaine replace former chair Dan Arvizu, Precourt Energy Scholar at Stanford University, and former vice chair Kelvin Droegemeier, vice president for research at the University of Oklahoma.
The NSB, congressionally chartered by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, is the 24-member governing body of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Board members are appointed based on their professional achievements in research, education, or public service and members serve a renewable six-year term.
Zuber, a planetary geophysicist by training and the vice president for research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has held leadership roles on nine NASA missions, published more than 200 papers on geophysics and the technology of space-based lasers and radio systems, and was named one of the 50 most important women in science by Discover magazine in 2002. She is currently in her fourth year on the board.
Souvaine, a theoretical computer scientist and the vice provost for research at Tufts University, is in her second term on the NSB, having served as chair of both its Committee on Strategy and Budget and Committee on Programs and Plans, among other accomplishments.
These new appointments, along with Dr. France Córdova’s role as NSF’s Director, mark the first time in NSF’s history that all top leadership positions at the agency have been held by women.
Source: American Institute of Physics, Discover Magazine, National Science Foundation
Updated 7/11/16
Córdova reveals nine big ideas for the National Science Foundation
June 14, 2016
France Córdova, Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recently released a research vision for NSF centered on nine ‘big ideas” after a two-day offsite planning retreat for the agency’s leadership in April.
Córdova’s plan includes six research big ideas: (1) increasing data research and infrastructure and developing a data capable workforce, (2) understanding the intersection of technology in everyday life, (3) discovering the laws governing biological systems, (4) exploring the next frontier in quantum mechanics, (5) investigating environmental change and resource availability in the Arctic under climate change, and (6) ushering in an era of multi-messenger astrophysics to investigate unexplored cosmic phenomena.
The plan also included three processes, including convergent research, or bringing diverse experts together to address big challenges, mid-scale research, or lowering the threshold for Major Research and Equipment Facilities Construction expenditures, and NSF 2050, or the creation of a fund for bold, collaborative research projects requiring long-term financial commitments, similar to NIH’s common fund.
While the nine ideas seek to inspire greater congressional support for NSF, some are calling Córdova’s ideas a “catalyst for broader investment,” referring to potential collaborations with private sector actors interested in sharing data and technologies.
Sources: American Institute of Physics, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Science Magazine
Updated 7/11/16
Proposed BLM planning rule faces criticism in Senate
June 21, 2016
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director, Neil Kornze, faced tough questions during a Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee hearing this June, where committee members were able to question him about the agency’s new Planning 2.0 rule.
The rule is the first attempt in 30 years to update and modernize how the BLM handles the 160 resource management plans (RMPs) that guide land-use activities on the agency’s 245 million acres.
Committee members were opposed to BLM’s approach to Landscape Scale Planning, which would give the agency jurisdiction over connected geographical regions with similar environmental characteristics that span the agency’s administrative boundaries. Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) argued that RMPs should not cross state lines because landscape-scale resource issues, such as the sage grouse initiative, may not apply to all states. Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO) also expressed concern that the approach prioritizes single-use land plans over multiple-use land plans, which unfairly impacts those using land for a variety of purposes, such as farmers and the energy industry.
In contrast, outdoor recreation groups, such as Trout Unlimited and the National Wildlife Federation, have hailed the proposed change, citing that resources such as fish and wildlife do not follow arbitrary lines on a map.
Committee members were also particularly concerned with how the rule would adjust the minimum public comment periods for draft RMPs and environmental impact statements (EISs). The comment period for draft RMPs, which are typically thousands of pages long, would decrease from 90 days to 60 days; the comment period for draft EISs would decrease from 90 days to 45 days. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) argued that shortened comment periods would hinder participation from local leaders and governmental and tribal officials.
Kornze defended the rule, stating that the move will “establish more meaningful opportunities for governments and the public to be involved earlier in the process.” In drafting the rule, the BLM held public meetings for two years and accepted comments from over 6,000 local governments, groups, and individuals. However, Kornze agreed that the rule needs additional attention to address the concerns voiced by committee members.
Sources: Bureau of Land Management, E&E Daily, Murkowski.senate.gov, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources
House approves bill to reform NSF facilities management
June 17, 2016
The House Committee on Science Space and Technology voted overwhelmingly to pass the NSF Major Research Facility Reform Act of 2016 (H.R. 5049). The bill, which passed 412 to 9, increases the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) oversight of large research facilities.
Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) introduced the bill after a series of hearings uncovered mismanaged funds at some NSF research facilities, including the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). According to Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), the $433 million project, which aims to build dozens of ecological stations across the U.S., is “$80 million over budget and 18 months behind schedule.”
If enacted, the bill would increase NSF’s control over research facility contingency funds, require cost proposals and audits for projects over $100 million, restrict how facilities spend their money, and establish a permanent office to oversee facilities.
Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) also supported the bill. She recognized that proper management is “critical,” but cautioned against imposing too rigid rules on an agency that has already taken “aggressive steps” to address the issues.
The bill must still be considered on the House floor before it can proceed to the Senate.
Sources: Congress.gov, National Ecological Observatory Network, National Science Foundation
Updated 7/11/16
White House press release on Obama and Holdren’s science legacy
June 21, 2016
In his 2009 inaugural address, President Barack Obama called for expanded investments in research and development and a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Nearing the end of President Obama’s second term, the White House Press Secretary has released an impact statement listing 100 Examples of President Obama’s Leadership in Science Technology and Innovation.
The 100 examples listed in the statement include: (#13) making federally funded scientific research freely accessible to the public through journals and digital data, making possible the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) public access plan; (#64) enhancing U.S. Earth-imaging capabilities through seven NASA missions since 2014; (#65) improving weather forecasting through investment in the National Weather Service; (#66) encouraging innovative water solutions through national action plans; (#67) launching the Nutrient Sensor Challenge to monitor nutrient levels in aquatic ecosystems; and (#100) improving U.S. resilience to natural hazards through disaster response and recovery systems.
The report also outlined President Obama’s action on climate change, including (#54) Obama’s Climate Action Plan, (#55) the Climate Services for Resilient Development partnership (#57) efforts to support renewable technologies, (#59) establishment of greenhouse gas and fuel-economy standards, and (#60) support for innovation in the energy sector.
The press release coincides with a milestone for President Obama’s staff: on June 25, Dr. John Holdren became the longest serving Science Advisor in U.S. history since the role was established by Vannevar Bush, Director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development during the Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman Administrations.
Sources: Alliance for Coastal Technologies, Office of Management and Budget, Office of the Press Secretary, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Office of Science Technology and Policy, President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, The New York Times, U.S. Geological Survey
Updated 7/11/16
NOAA experts give monthly update on U.S. and global climate conditions
June 16, 2016
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held their Monthly Climate Briefing telecast on June 16, 2016. The presentations summarized NOAA’s May U.S. and global climate analyses, monthly and seasonal forecasts, and the outlook for La Niña development. The speakers were Deke Arndt and Brad Pugh, both of NOAA.
Arndt discussed recent temperature trends in the U.S. and globally, pointing out that May 2016 was the warmest May on record at 0.87°C (1.57°F) above the 20th century average, a trend driven largely by globally warming ocean temperatures and partly by El Niño. He emphasized that 2016 to date is the warmest year on record, over 0.24°C (0.43°F) warmer than the previous record set in 2015, and that 9 of the 10 warmest months on record have occurred since February 2015. Temperatures in all U.S. states were above average in spring 2016 (Alaska saw its warmest spring ever recorded), with the warmth driven primarily by high overnight temperatures (rather than afternoon temperatures). This increase in overnight temperatures is consistent with trends over the last 15 years. Arndt observed that drought generally decreased across the contiguous U.S., particularly in the Great Basin and northern California, due to higher spring rainfall.
Pugh summarized the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s forecasts for July and the summer season (July - September). The recent El Niño ended in May, but there is strong likelihood for a La Niña to develop over the next several months. Above normal temperatures were predicted for most of the lower 48 states and Alaska in July and the summer season, with moderately wetter conditions on the Gulf Coast, Florida, and western Alaska,. and drier conditions in the northwest U.S. Pugh considered drought development likely in the northwest U.S. over the summer due to lower precipitation and higher temperatures.