EPA and Department of the Army announce intent to redefine WOTUS rule

On December 11, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army proposed a revised definition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule to clarify the scope of waters federally regulated under the Clean Water Act. The proposed revision would limit where federal regulations apply, clearly outlining what would be considered “waters of the United States” in addition to specific exclusions from the definition.

Nominations for energy and environmental agency positions move forward in lame duck

A series of nomination processes moved forward in December as Congress wrapped up their lame duck session following the November 6 midterm elections. On December 6, the Senate confirmed Bernard McNamee to be a member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The nominations of Rita Baranwal to be assistant secretary for nuclear energy at the Department of Energy (DOE) and Raymond Vela to be director of the National Park Service (NPS) were still awaiting a final confirmation vote by the Senate at the end of December 2018.

Forrest Lewis

Forrest is a 2017 graduate of Harvard College with a joint degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Science and Public Policy. As an undergraduate, his research focused on tree leaf respiration as it pertained to the global carbon cycle. He also worked for the Harvard University Office for Sustainability for three years in the Resource Efficiency Program. After graduation, Forrest spent a year teaching in The Gambia as a Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Traveling Fellow.

During his 2018 Geoscience Policy fall internship, Forrest published news briefs for the AGI Monthly Review. He also represented AGI at coalition meetings, attended Congressional hearings and briefings, managed AGI’s website and social media content, and wrote an article on early volcano warning systems for EARTH magazine.

Marking 70 Years with Redesigned Headquarters and New Membership Opportunities

Founded in 1948, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is proud to celebrate its 70th year with the completed, cutting-edge renovation of its Alexandria headquarters, the M. Ray Thomasson Building, and the announcement of new partnership opportunities and membership benefits.

Federal Register Summary: November 2018

A summary of notices posted to the Federal Register by geoscience-related federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Science Foundation, and more.

National Climate Assessment warns of environmental impacts and societal and economic damages

The White House released the second volume of the U.S. Global Change Research Program’s (USGCRP) Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) on November 22, warning of potential damage to the U.S. economy, environment, and human health in the coming decades as a result of climate change.

Administration releases second decadal report on ocean science and technology

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) released a report this month entitled, “Science and Technology For America’s Oceans: A Decadal Vision.” The report outlines the Trump administration’s goals to advance U.S. ocean science and technology in the coming decade.

Mid-term elections bring new members of Congress and shifts in leadership

The results of the November 6, 2018, mid-term elections will shape geoscience-related legislative priorities for the next two years and beyond. The Democratic Party won control of the U.S. House of Representatives, while the Republican Party retained control of the U.S. Senate.

Senate subcommittee field hearing addresses effects of PFAS chemicals in Michigan

Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), ranking member of the Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management Subcommittee, convened a field hearing titled “Local, State and Federal Response to PFAS Contamination in Michigan” in his home state on November 13. The hearing focused on the emerging health and environmental impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Congress reauthorizes national earthquake hazards program

A bill to reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) through fiscal year 2023 passed the House on November 27 and now awaits final approval by the President. The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2018 (S. 1768) serves as a follow-up to the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, which established NEHRP as the nation’s interagency platform for seismic hazards.

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