Geoscience Policy Monthly Review
february 2017

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federal agencies

National Science Foundation hosts Congressional “Arc of Science” event

February 15, 2017

The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) hosted an event on Capitol Hill on February 15 to highlight the national economic benefits of basic research. The event, entitled “Arc of Science: Research to Results,” highlighted NSF-funded researchers and their economically applicable research products.

The featured research ranged from the discovery of gravitational waves and the origins of the multi-touch screen now used for Apple products, to the creation of environmental sensors that improve city life. One hands-on exhibit showcased live oysters to highlight the effects of ocean acidification and the efforts that NSF-funded research has made to reduce the effects of acidification on the nation’s multi-million dollar oyster industries.

NSF Director, France Córdova, and the Chair and Ranking members of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Reps. Lamar Smith (R-TX-21) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30) made comments about the important role of fundamental research to the U.S. economy. These speakers also highlighted the importance that sustained NSF funding provides to ensure successful U.S. economic competitiveness.

Source: National Science Foundation, Coalition for National Science Funding

Executive order directs review of EPA rule

February 28, 2017

President Trump issued an executive order directing agencies to review the “Waters of the United States” rule. On February 28 the order directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers to “review and rescind or revise” the regulation. The rule, which was issued in June 2015, clarifies which waterways are under the jurisdiction of federal regulators under the Clean Water Act. The rule has never come into effect because of litigation surrounding it.

The order directs federal agencies to consider shifting guidance for the rule from a 2006 opinion by Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy in Rapanos v. United States to that of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s. In that case, with a 4-1-4 vote, Justice Kennedy’s vote was the stand-alone, while Scalia’s spoke for the four conservative justices.

The ultimate fate of the Waters of the United States Rule remains uncertain.

Sources: White House Office of the Press Secretary, the Environmental Protection Agency, Justice.gov