^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
AWG E-MAIL NEWS 2004-24
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
CONTENTS
1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW - NOVEMBER 2004
2) IAMAS 2005 INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY “THE
FASCINATING ATMOSPHERE: CHANGEABLE AND CHANGING”,
August 2 - 11, 2005, BEIJING, CHINA
3) POSITION OPENINGS
2004-064 Wright State University - Environmental Sciences Ph.D.
Program and Fellowships
2004-091 Georgia Southern University - Temporary Position in
Coastal Geology
2004-114 University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Geological
Sciences - Assistant or Associate Professor (2 Positions)
2004-125 Trinity University - Visiting Assistant Professor, Earth
Materials
4) CONTACT INFORMATION
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of E-mail News
This will be the last issue for 2004
Wishing you all a safe, peaceful and happy holiday season
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW - NOVEMBER 2004
* FY05 Budget is Complete, Finally
* Congress Comments on Open Access
* AAAS Panelists Predict Gloom and Doom for Science Funding
* National Journal Reports on Outlook for 109th Congress
* The Post-Election Cabinet Shuffle
* EPA's Mercury Regulations Debated at Regulatory Reform Hearing
* USGS Listens As It Plans 2007 Initiative
* Dept. of the Interior Reports on Gulf of Mexico Oil Production
* National Academies Releases Report on Presidential Appointments
* Selman v. Cobb County
* Evolution on NPR
* Public Opinion Measured on Evolution, Creationism
* May 10-11 are Congressional Visit Days
* Name That Ship
* 'Challenge' for Students
* Key Federal Register Updates
* New Updates to Website
*** FY05 Budget is Complete, Finally ***
In a rare Saturday congressional session, Congress gave primary
approval to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 Consolidated Appropriations bill, H.R.
4818, on November 20th. Unfortunately, some provisions need to be
corrected prior to final passage. Though no spending amounts are expected
to change, Congress returned to Washington on December 6th to give final
approval to the 3,000 page bill. President Bush is expected to sign
the bill on December 8th. This action will complete the FY05 budget
process.
According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS), the FY05 budget will provide $132.2 billion in federal research
and development (R&D) investment. That being said, AAAS reported that:
"80 percent of the increase goes to defense R&D programs, primarily for
the development of new weapons systems. The nondefense R&D investment
rises by $1.2 billion or 2.2 percent to $57.2 billion." This increase
is far short of those in the past few years. Funding for the
geoscience-related activities has been a mixed bag, with most of these agencies
and programs slated for either flat funding or cuts in FY05. Congress
also employed some budgetary wizardry in the form of a government-wide
.80 percent across-the-board cut to formulate a spending plan that
encompassed 9 of the 13 annual spending bills and fit under the
congressional budget targets.
A November 30 Government Affairs Special Update contains more details
about the budget and is available online at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/update_fy05budgetcomplete.html.
Additional details and charts showing the path to the final budget
numbers are available on AGI's website at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/appropsfy2005.html.
*** Congress Comments on Open Access ***
As reported in a November 30 AGI Government Affairs Special Update,
Congress included comments on the NIH Open Access model that the House
approved in September when it passed the NIH FY05 spending bill. The
comments were buried in the depths of the Consolidated Appropriations Bill.
The text of the comment is available online at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/update_openaccessinomni.html .
*** AAAS Panelists Predict Gloom and Doom for Science Funding ***
On December 1, the American Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS) Research!America and the Washington Science Policy Alliance
convened a panel of top-tier experts to evaluate how the 2004 election
results will affect science and technology in the years ahead. The forum
was moderated by Alan I. Leshner CEO of AAAS and executive publisher of
Science. The panel consisted of Former Rep. John Ed Porter (R-IL),
former chair of the House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee
and currently a partner in the law firm of Hogan and Hartson and
chair-elect of Research!America; Kathleen Frankovic, director of the CBS
News Survey Unit; and Bob Palmer, minority staff director on the House
Science Committee. The overarching sentiment expressed by the panel was
that the scientific community looks to be in for some lean times in the
coming years. Soaring budget deficits have caused lawmakers to clamp
down on non-defense discretionary spending, which comprises only 16%
of the total budget. Given the fiscal climate, Porter urged the
audience to "defend science as you have never defended science before," and
that, "we should not wait for the administration to come to us for
science and technology investment." According to Palmer, "science is a
medium level priority on the hill," which usually loses out to more
prestigious agencies in appropriations bills.
In all, the panelists agreed that now more than ever, the scientific
community and those who advocate for them must be vigilant in stressing
to policy makers the importance of basic science research to our economy
and society. A webcast of the forum is available online at
http://www.aaas.org/news/press_room/election/.
*** National Journal Reports on Outlook for 109th Congress ***
The November 13 issue of National Journal published a series of
articles about upcoming issues in the 109th Congress. Margaret Kriz wrote a
piece on energy legislation in which she pointed out that an increased
Republican majority in the Senate bodes well for comprehensive energy
legislation and modification of the Clean Air Act. Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Chairman Pete Domenici (R-NM) is likely to push for
drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) with a clause in the
filibuster-proof budget reconciliation bill. Democrats likely will
invoke the Byrd rule, challenging the drilling amendment as "extraneous
matter." It will then be up to the Senate parliamentarian to decide if
the rule applies.
Once the ANWR issue is decided, the Senate is expected to craft
comprehensive energy legislation from scratch, although it should include
major pieces of existing legislation. Tax incentives for nuclear power
plants and exploration for oil and gas offshore in currently off limits
areas could be in store. MTBE will also be an issue, with industry
lobbyists pushing for a broad liability waiver for MTBE manufacturers.
The Senate should also take up the Clean Air Act again, with the White
House pushing for Bush's "Clear Skies Initiative," an emissions trading
program for mercury, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide. The
administration has no plans to regulate carbon dioxide emissions.
Some Republican leaders would also like to revisit the Endangered
Species Act. House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA) is
considering targeted changes to the law, although aides say it won't be a
massive overhaul.
Despite ambitious plans, Kriz says some observers predict that the
Senate will continue to block GOP's most ambitious efforts to revamp
environment and energy law. "I'm not so sure the landscape has changed that
much on the Senate side," said one energy lobbyist. "When you replace
moderate Democrats with Republicans, four seats doesn't necessarily
equate to four more votes for all of these issues."
*** The Post-Election Cabinet Shuffle ***
The Bush administration Cabinet has been going through some major
reshuffling in the wake of President Bush's re-election. The President has
nominated Alberto R. Gonzales for Attorney General after John Ashcroft
stepped down in November. National Security Advisor Condoleeza Rice
will succeed Colin Powell as Secretary of State if confirmed by the
Senate. Porter Goss was nominated to replace Robert Mueller as head of the
FBI. Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge also announced his
resignation on November 30.
Carlos M. Gutierrez, CEO of Kellogg Corporation, has been nominated to
replace outgoing Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans. If confirmed,
Gutierrez will have to deal with redefining NOAA's role in the
department as it pushes for more autonomy and funding. Originally intended to
be part of the Department of the Interior, NOAA has grown into the
largest agency in the Commerce Department, comprising 60% of its budget and
one-third of its workforce. With the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
and the Pew Oceans Commission pushing for reform, Congress considered
granting NOAA more independence. This debate will continue in January
when an Organic Act for NOAA is expected to be reintroduced.
Former Democratic Senator from Louisiana J. Bennett Johnston is on a
list of potential candidates to replace outgoing Energy Secretary Spencer
Abraham. Johnston served in the Senate from 1972 to 1997 and as
chairman of the Senate Energy Committee from 1987 to 1994. He was offered
the Energy Secretary position in 2000 but he declined. Former Louisiana
Sen. John Breaux (D-LA) is also a potential replacement for Abraham.
USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman also stepped down in November. President
Bush selected Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns, a Republican attorney who
grew up on an Iowa dairy farm, as secretary of Agriculture to oversee the
nation's farm and food program on December 2nd. Secretary of Education
Rod Paige resigned, joining the six other outgoing cabinet members.
President Bush named Margaret Spellings, a White House insider who
currently serves as chief adviser on domestic issues, to take over Paige's
post. She was the architect of No Child Left Behind, the President's
signature education initiative.
Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton has said she would like to stay
at her post; however, she has also indicated the West remains a powerful
draw for the native Coloradan. There is speculation that she may leave
her post to run for Colorado Governor or seek a spot on the federal
bench, although she publicly denies any interest in either. Environment
and Energy Daily reports Norton as saying: '"There's always a tension in
the Department of the Interior that you have to love the West to be
secretary of the Interior because that's where all of our land and
employees are. You have to live in Washington to do it. There's always a
tension there." Asked to elaborate, Norton said only, "I enjoy the job.
That's my statement."'
With President Bush's second-term Cabinet shaping up to look vastly
different than the first, the Senate will be busy early in 2005 with
confirmation hearings. In fact, prior to dismissing for the Thanksgiving
holiday, Arden Bement's nomination to serve as the Director of the
National Science Foundation was approved by the Senate. All nominations to
the National Science Board (NSB) were also approved.
*** EPA's Mercury Regulations Debated at Regulatory Reform Hearing ***
Energy Policy, Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs Subcommitee
Chairman Doug Ose (R-CA) hosted a hearing entitled "What is the Bush
Administration's Record in Regulatory Reform?" on November 17th. EPA's
handling of mercury regulation emerged as a very contentious issue.
Controversy has been brewing between the cap-and trade approach,
favored by the Bush administration, and a Maximum Achievable Control
Technology (MACT) approach, favored by environmentalists. Some witnesses
attested to the effectiveness of the public comment process on rulemaking
while others defended or berated the EPA's record of regulation. A full
hearing summary is available on AGI's website at
http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/mercury.html.
*** USGS Listens As It Plans 2007 Initiative ***
At a November 3 meeting with government and non-government
stakeholders, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) outlined and listened to
comments, as well as healthy debate, on a national proposal being
considered for the fiscal year 2007 budget. Final details of the proposal,
"Reducing the Risks of Natural Hazards: A Program for the Future," have
not been released.
As outlined by senior USGS leadership, the initiative could be an
opportunity for USGS to leverage and integrate the strengths of its various
programs in biology, geology, geospatial information, and water
programs to help the nation better address natural hazards. Some external
stakeholders participating in the meeting suggested that USGS not
necessarily limit the initiative to "natural" hazards. Many participants also
noted that the geological sciences would obviously play an important
part in any hazards program. Additionally, it was suggested that a
successful program should include elements of external grant programs and
also an increased interaction with the social science and economics
research communities. The USGS continues to accept comments and suggestions
on this emerging initiative. Interested scientists can submit comments
via conversation@usgs.gov.
*** Dept. of the Interior Reports on Gulf of Mexico Oil Production ***
The Department of the Interior released a new report on November 15
announcing that access to resources and incentives to boost energy
production in the Gulf of Mexico is working. Over the next decade, deep water
oil and natural gas production is expected to increase by 43% and 13%
respectively. House Resources Committee Chairman Richard W. Pombo
(R-CA) emphasized in a press release the importance of incorporating this
fact into future energy policy. Simply put, he believes access and
incentives work to increase domestic supply. These incentives, first
offered for producers in the Gulf of Mexico in 1995 under the Deep Water
Royalty Relief Act and expanded recently by Interior Secretary Gale Norton,
led to the boom in the region's energy production. As a result, the
Gulf currently produces and delivers more oil and gas to the U.S. market
than any single domestic or foreign source.
The report is available through the Minerals Management Service website
at http://www.mms.gov/ooc/press/2004/press1115.htm.
*** National Academies Releases Report on Presidential Appointments ***
At a November 17 briefing, the National Academies of Science released
its latest report providing the President and federal officials with
guidance for improving the appointment process for federal science and
technology positions. Unlike previous reports that focused on improving
the screening and appointment process for Cabinet and senior agency
personnel, "Science and Technology in the National Interest: Ensuring the
Best Presidential and Federal Advisory Committee Science and Technology
Appointments," also includes recommendations that can help ensure the
integrity of federal S&T advisory committees. The focus on the latter
is important as scientists, engineers and health professionals serve on
roughly 1,000 federal S&T advisory committees, examining issues such as
safety standards for drinking water and biodefense priorities. Some of
these scientists are chosen for their policy expertise, but most are
selected for their scientific and technical knowledge. The panel's
attention to S&T advisory committees was new, and at least in part a
result of criticisms that advisory committee membership has increasingly
been driven by political rather than scientific credentials. Not
surprisingly, the panel recommends that experts who are nominated mainly to
provide scientific advice in particular fields should be chosen for
their credentials and integrity.
Additionally, the report considers the matters of conflict-of-interest
and bias. The panel reportedly heard testimony from a number of
sources that suggests that conflict-of-interest reporting procedures have
become so burdensome that some top scientists decline to serve on
committees. Thus, the panel recommends that conflict-of-interest reporting
procedures be reviewed to ensure they are not needlessly burdensome,
particularly for individuals that would serve on committees charged with
reviewing research proposals or providing direction to federal research
programs. For more information, please see the committee's website at
www.nationalacademies.org/presidentialappointments.
*** Selman v. Cobb County ***
On November 8, 2004, Selman et al. v. Cobb County School District et
al. went to trial in the Atlanta Division of the US District Court of the
Northern District of Georgia. The plaintiffs are suing over a textbook
disclaimer, adopted in 2002, that reads: "This textbook contains
material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the
origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open
mind, studied carefully, and critically considered." The plaintiffs
complain that the disclaimer restricts the teaching of evolution by
singling out evolution for special treatment for religious reasons, and
argue that the result of the disclaimer will be the teaching of creationism
or similar pseudoscientific alternatives to evolution. Among those
testifying was Kenneth R. Miller of Brown University, a coauthor of the
biology textbook used in Cobb County's high schools, who noted that the
disclaimer might convey the impression that "we are certain of ev
erything in this book except evolution." Evolution disclaimers in
textbooks have long been part of the antievolutionist arsenal; Alabama is
the only state in which they are presently required, but they have been
required or proposed in states and local districts across the country.
Testimony in Selman v. Cobb County ended on November 10, and closing
arguments are expected to conclude the trial on November 12. A ruling
from the judge is not expected for at least a month.
*** Evolution on NPR ***
In the first hour of National Public Radio's (NPR) show Science Friday
for November 19 host Ira Flatow and his guests discussed the recent
decision by the Dover (Pennsylvania) Area School District to require the
teaching of "intelligent design" in its science classrooms as well as
other recent battles over evolution education. Appearing on the show
were NCSE's Nicholas J. Matzke and NCSE Supporter Kenneth R. Miller, as
well as Charles Haynes of the First Amendment Center, law professor and
Senior Fellow of the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and
Culture David K. DeWolf, and two former members of the Dover Area School
Board who resigned to protest the "intelligent design" decision. For the
archived version of the show, look under the "Archived Audio" section of
http://www.sciencefriday.com/pages/2004/Nov/hour1_111904.html. AGI's
report on the surprise move by the Dover Area School Board is available
online at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis108/evolutionPA.html.
*** Public Opinion Measured on Evolution, Creationism ***
A recent article from the Gallup News Service reports on the pollster's
latest results concerning public opinion on the evidence for evolution,
creationism, and biblical literalism. On the question of whether
evolution is well-supported by the evidence, 35% of the respondents said
that it is, 35% said that it is not, 29% said that they didn't know enough
about it to reply, and 1% expressed no opinion. On the question of the
origin and development of human beings, 38% of the respondents agreed
with "human beings have developed over millions of years from less
advanced forms of life, but God guided this process, "13% agreed with "human
beings have developed over millions of years from less advanced forms
of life, but God had no part in this process," 45% agreed with "God
created human beings pretty much in their present form at one time within
the last 10,000 years or so," and 4% offered a different or no opinion.
On the question of biblical literalism, 34% of respondents re
garded the Bible as to be taken literally, 48% regarded it as divinely
inspired but not always to be taken literally, 15% regarded it as a
collection of fables, etc., and 3% expressed no opinion. All of these
results are consistent with earlier Gallup polls, which extend as far back
as 1982 (for the origin and development of human beings question).
A recent poll conducted by CBS News also investigated public opinion
about evolution and creationism. One question (the exact wording of
which was not given in the story) was apparently similar to Gallup's
question about the origin and development of human beings. Compared to the
Gallup poll, the results showed more support (55%) for "God created
humans in present form" and less support (27%) for "humans evolved, God
guided the process," with the same level of support (13%) for "Humans
evolved, God did not guide process." The CBS News poll also asked whether
creationism should be taught alongside or instead of evolution in the
public schools: 65% of the respondents said alongside; 37% said instead
of. In a 2000 poll commissioned by People for the American Way,
however, only 16% of respondents said that creationism should be taught
instead of evolution, and only 13% said that creationism should be taught as
a "scientific theory" alongside evolution. Since the PFAW poll o
ffered a finer-grained set of choices for its respondents, comparisons
between the CBS News poll and the PFAW poll may not be entirely
meaningful.
To read the Gallup News Service article (subscription required), visit
http://www.gallup.com/poll/content/login.aspx?ci=14107. For the CBS
News poll, visit
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/11/22/opinion/polls/main657083.shtml.
For the PFAW poll (in PDF form), visit:
http://www.pfaw.org/pfaw/dfiles/file_36.pdf.
*** May 10-11 are Congressional Visit Days ***
The 10th annual Congressional Visit Day is scheduled for May 10-11,
2005. The CVD is a two-day annual event that brings scientists,
engineers, researchers, educators, and technology executives to Washington to
raise visibility and support for science, engineering, and technology.
CVD is an important opportunity to make science issues and science
funding a priority for the 109th congress. More information about CVD is
available at www.aas.org/cvd/. The site contains a downloadable packet
of briefing materials updated to demonstrate the need for sustained
federal investment in scientific research.
*** Name that Ship ***
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in
partnership with Coastal America and the National Environmental Education and
Training Foundation, invites students nationwide in grades 6-12 to
participate in a contest to choose a name for a new NOAA ship. Ship names
and supporting projects that capture the spirit of ocean exploration are
encouraged.
Generally, NOAA ships are named for mission-type, environmental
phenomena, myths or traditions, geographical features, or former
decommissioned ships crewed by NOAA personnel or predecessors. NOAA's new ocean
exploration ship will be unique because it will be the only NOAA ship
dedicated exclusively to exploration and research of our oceans. The new
vessel will join NOAA's fleet, under the direction of NOAA's Marine and
Aviation Operations. For more information about the contest, visit
www.education.noaa.gov/shipname.
*** 'Challenge' for Students ***
Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation (NEF) have
announced the launch of the fourth Igniting Creative Energy Challenge. The
Challenge is an educational competition designed to encourage students to
learn more about energy and the environment. Students are asked to
submit entries that reflect the competition theme, Igniting Creative
Energy, and demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family, or
group can do to make a difference in their home, school, or community.
Students may express their ideas on energy conservation and the
environment in the form of science projects, essays, stories, artwork,
photographs, music, video, or website projects. They may also submit recent
service projects or results from the National Energy Foundation's own
Energy Patrol activities.
"Students play an important role in energy usage which naturally
extends to our business of providing energy solutions," said Jeff Crenshaw,
Director, Public Sector Sales for Johnson Controls. "As we introduce
our fourth Challenge, we are continually impressed by the excitement and
creativity students and teachers exhibit in showing ways to preserve
the environment and conserve energy." The Challenge is open to all
students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec. All
entries are due by February 19, 2005, and winners will be announced on or
about March 21, 2005. The Challenge is sponsored and funded through an
educational grant by Johnson Controls, Inc. with additional support from
the United States Energy Association, and is administered by the
National Energy Foundation. Official rules about the contest and a
downloadable entry form can be found at www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org
*** List of Key Federal Register Notices ***
Below is a summary of Federal Register announcements regarding federal
regulations, agency meetings, and other notices of interest to the
geoscience community. Entries are listed in chronological order and show
the federal agency involved, the title, and the citation. The Federal
Register is available online at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/frcont04.html. Information on
submitting comments and reading announcements are also available online
at http://www.regulation.gov.
DOE: The Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act of 2004 requires the FERC to
issue regulations governing the conduct of open seasons for Alaska
natural gas transportation projects by February 10, 2005. The Commission
proposes the following tentative schedule for issuing the required
regulations: November 18, 2004 – Commission issues Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, including draft of proposed regulations; December 6-10, 2004
(exact date to be announced) – One-day public technical conference at a
site to be determined in Alaska, to receive public comment on the proposed
regulations; December 17, 2004 – Written comments due on Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking; February 9, 2005 – Commission issues final rule.
http://www.ferc.gov [(Volume 69, Number 212)]
NOAA: This program represents a NOAA/NWS effort to create a
cost-effective continuum of basic and applied research through collaborative
research between the Hydrology Laboratory of the NWS Office of Hydrologic
Development and academic communities or other private or public agencies
which have expertise in the hydrometeorologic, hydrologic, and
hydraulic routing sciences. The Office of Hydrologic Development requests that
interested organizations prepare a pre-proposal, to be followed by a
full-proposal. Pre-proposals must be received by the NWS no later than 3
p.m., Eastern Standard Time, December 17, 2004. Pre-proposals may be
submitted through electronic e-mail to Pedro.Restrepo@noaa.gov. FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Pedro Restrepo by phone at 301-713-0640
ext. 210, or fax to 301-713-0963. [(Volume 69, Number 214)]
DOE: FERC will host a technical conference in this proceeding on
December 3, 2004 in Anchorage, Alaska. The Commission has initiated a
rulemaking to establish regulations governing the conduct of open seasons for
capacity on any Alaska natural gas transportation projects. The
Commission will provide further public notice with details of the rulemaking
proceeding, including the specific location of the technical conference
in Anchorage, Alaska, in the near future. Registration for the
December 3rd technical conference is not required, but it is encouraged to
assist with the conference planning process. Those electing to register
are asked to do so on-line by close of business, Friday, November 26,
2004 at:
http://www.ferc.gov/whats-new/registration/alaska-1203-form.asp.
[(Volume 69, Number 215)]
NOAA: Notice of availability is hereby given for a 30-day public
comment period on proposed Data Management and Communications (DMAC)
standards for the initial implementation of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing
System (IOOS). Written comments on the proposed standards must be
received no later than 5 p.m. eastern standard time, on December 10, 2004.
Written comments should be sent to: Ocean.US, Attention: Ms. Rosalind
E. Cohen, 2300 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 1350, Arlington, VA 22201.
Comments may also be sent via e-mail to the following address:
Rosalind.E.Cohen@noaa.gov, or by FAX to (703) 588-0872. The Plan is
available on-line to interested parties from the Office of Ocean.US Web
site at the following URL:
http://dmac.ocean.us/dacsc/imp_plan.jsp. [(Volume 69, Number 217)]
OSTP: This notice announces the release of the Appendix 3 to the Draft
Strategic Plan for the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System and
extension of the public comment period by the National Science and
Technology Council's (NSTC) Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
(CENR) Interagency Working Group on Earth Observations (IWGEO). The Draft
Strategic Plan can be accessed electronically at
http://iwgeo.ssc.nasa.gov/draftstrategicplan. Appendix 3 to this
document, along with the associated Technical Reference Documents are
available at http://iwgeo.ssc.nasa.gov. Only electronic (e-mail) comments
will be accepted, and should be sent to: IWGEOcomments@noaa.gov. [(Volume
69, Number 217)]
EPA: Science Advisory Board (SAB) Staff Office announces a
teleconference of the Second Generation Model Advisory Panel to discuss its plan
for providing advice to EPA on this model. A public teleconference of
the SAB Second Generation Model Advisory Panel will be held from 2 p.m.
to 5 p.m. Eastern time on December 2, 2004. [(Volume 69, Number 222)]
USGS: Open meeting of the CRSSP Implementation Working Group (IWG) to
present and discuss progress and plans for assessing near-term civil
requirements for remote sensing data. December 14, 2004, 9-12 a.m.
Visitors Center, USGS Headquarters, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, VA
20192. Inquiries and notice of intent to attend the meeting may be
addressed to:
Greg Snyder, CRSSP IWG Chair, USGS National Center Center MS 517,
Reston VA 22091, gsnyder@usgs.gov or 703-648-5169. [(Volume 69, Number
224)]
*** New Updates to Website ***
Special Update: Congress Passes Spending Bill, Comments on NIH Open
Access Model Special Update: FY05 Budget Complete (11-30-04)
FY2005 Energy and Water (DOE) Appropriations (11-29-04)
FY2005 NASA, NSF and EPA Appropriations (11-29-04)
FY2005 Dept. of Education MSP Appropriations (11-29-04)
FY2005 Interior Appropriations (11-29-04)
FY2005 Commerce (NOAA) Appropriations (11-29-04)
FY2005 Agriculture Appropriations (11-29-04) Public Access to
Scientific Research (11-24-04) Mercury Policy (11-23-04) Climate Change Hearings
(11-23-04) Natural Gas Policy (11-18-04) Action Alert: Public Access to
Federally Funded Scientific Research Public Access to Federally Funded
Scientific Research (11-12-04) Energy Policy Overview (11-10-04)
Climate Change Policy Overview (11-5-04) Political Challenges to the Teaching
of Evolution (11-4-04).
Special update prepared by Emily Lehr Wallace, AGI Government Affairs
Program and David Millar, AGI/AAPG 2004 Fall Intern
Sources: American Institute of Biological Sciences, American Institute
of Physics, Environment and Energy Daily, Greenwire, House Committee on
Resources, Minerals Management Service, National Center for Science
Education, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, New York
Times, Triangle Coalition Electronic Bulletin, Washington Post.
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
2) IAMAS 2005 INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY “THE FASCINATING
ATMOSPHERE: CHANGEABLE AND CHANGING”, August 2 - 11, 2005, BEIJING, CHINA
The International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
(IAMAS), which is one of the seven scientific associations making up the
International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, will hold its biennial
Scientific Assembly in Beijing, China from 2-11 August 2005.
The theme of the conference is “The Fascinating Atmosphere: Changeable
and Changing” and will cover all areas of meteorology and atmospheric
sciences, including dynamics, radiation, chemistry, electricity, clouds
and precipitation, and climate variability and change. The Second
Circular and call for papers has just been released, and it describes
the topics and lists the conveners for 45 symposia that will cover
aspects affecting the surface to the middle atmosphere and low to polar
latitudes.
An exhibition will be held on the second week of the conference (8-11
August 2005). We offer ideal exhibiting conditions to promote your
company's products:
1. US$100/sq. m
Floor Space only (for exhibitors wishing to design and build their own
booths).
2. US$1000/booth
Exhibitors will be provided with ready-to-display facilities including:
a) Fascia board with company name in English (Chinese also, if needed)
b) Side and back walls
c) Carpeting
d) One desk and two chairs
e) Booth cleaning
f) One socket: 5 Amp/220V
g) Basic lighting (2 lamps)
3. Exhibitor’s fees
Early bird (On or before 1 June 2005) $380.
Standard (On or before 15 July 2005) $410.
Late or on-site (After 15 July 2005) $440
The registration fee includes:
a) Attendance to all scientific sessions;
b) One welcome reception and two cocktail parties;
c) Coffee breaks and lunch on weekdays
d) Welcome reception;
e) City tour;
f) A hard copy and a CD-ROM of the meeting program and the abstract
volume.
You are also welcome to insert a page in the program volume or the
third circular.
COLOR RATES ON GLOSSY COVER PAPER (210mm x 285mm)
Full color cover page (Inside Front Cover) $1250
Full color cover page (Inside Back Cover) $1000
Full color cover page (Outside Back Cover) $1500
RATES ON INSIDE PAGES (210mm x 285mm)
Full page (b/w) $200
Full page (color) $875
For more information contact
Ms. Jenny Zheng LIN
Conference Secretariat of IAMAS2005
LASG,
Institute of Atmospheric Physics
Chinese Academy of Sciences
P.O.Box 9804, Beijing 100029
P.R. China
Tel: +86-10-62043436
Fax: +86-10-62043526
E-mail: iamas@lasg.iap.ac.cn
Or visit the conference website at http://www.iamas2005.com
222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222
3) POSITION OPENINGS
2004-064
Wright State University
Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program and Fellowships
The Environmental Sciences Ph.D. Program at Wright State University
provides a strong interdisciplinary focus on stressor fate and effects in
3 areas of faculty expertise: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry,
Environmental Stressors, and Environmental Geophysics and Hydrogeology.
There are over 30 program faculty from the Departments of Biological
Sciences, Chemistry, Geological Sciences, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and
Physics. Wright State University is located in Dayton, Ohio with a
student enrollment of approximately 17,000. The ES program began in 2002
and is a program of excellence with internationally recognized research.
Research and Teaching Assistantships are available (>$18,000 stipend +
tuition & fee waiver). In addition, the prestigious YSI Fellowship is
available for $25,000 (+ tuition & fee waiver) to outstanding
applicants. Students are encouraged to apply to the program and for financial
awards with either a B.S. or M.S. degree from a relevant major (e.
g., biology, chemistry, geology, physics, toxicology, environmental
sciences). There is no deadline for applications, however review of
applications will begin in January with awards made at any time. For more
information see www.wright.edu/academics/envsci.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-091
Georgia Southern University
Temporary Position in Coastal Geology
Position Description
The Department of Geology and Geography invites applications for a
temporary position in coastal geology. Specific areas of expertise might
include, but are not limited to, beach and near-shore sedimentation,
coastal geomorphology, shallow marine environments, or coastal plain
geology. This individual will teach sedimentation and stratigraphy, coastal
geology, and will share responsibility for courses in environmental
geology and historical geology and associated laboratories. The rank
(either Assistant or Associate Professor of Geology) and salary will be
commensurate with the applicant's experience and accomplishments.
Preference will be given to candidates who have active research projects on
the Atlantic Coast of the United States, who apply GIS to their research,
and those with prior undergraduate teaching experience. A PhD in
geology or a closely related field must be completed by the position
starting date of August 1, 2005. The one-year position may be renewable
for two additional one-year appointments.
The University and the Department
Georgia Southern University (http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/), a unit
of the University System of Georgia, is the largest center of higher
education in the southern half of Georgia. The Department of Geology and
Geography offers courses that lead to the BS and BA degrees with majors
in both geography and geology. The Department's web site
(http://cost.georgiasouthern.edu/geo/) provides an overview of our
programs, faculty, and facilities, as well as a more extensive description
of this position.
Application Information
Please direct a letter of application including a statement of research
and teaching interests, a curriculum vitae, supporting documentation
(such as reprints and evidence of teaching effectiveness), and the names,
e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers for three references to: Dr.
Charles H. Trupe, Search Committee Chair, Department of Geology and
Geography, P.O. Box 8149, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA
30460-8149. Initial review of applications begins on December 15, 2004 and
will continue until the position is filled.
The names of applicants and nominees, résumés, and other general
non-evaluative information may be subject to public inspection under the
Georgia Open Records Act. Persons who need reasonable accommodations under
the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to participate in the
search process should notify the Search Committee Chair. Georgia Southern
University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-114
University of Texas at El Paso
Department of Geological Sciences
Assistant or Associate Professor (2 Positions)
Description: The Department of Geological Sciences, University of Texas
at El Paso, is inviting applications for two full time tenure-track
positions, one in hydrology and one in earth system science at either the
assistant or associate rank, beginning in September 2005. We are
particularly interested in finding candidates with strong interdisciplinary
focus who are also intrigued by the prospect of exploring environmental
challenges that stem from urban development in a bi-national arid
region.
HYDROLOGY: All specialties in hydrology are encouraged to apply
including groundwater hydrology, surface water hydrology, and
surface/groundwater interaction. The region offers many exciting research topics as we
rely heavily on groundwater resources, supplemented with limited flows
from the Rio Grande.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE: We seek applicants with research and teaching
interests that include isotope geochemistry, geobiology, soil science,
surface processes, and the interactions of lithosphere, hydrosphere, and
atmosphere.
The Department of Geological Sciences supports undergraduate, M.S., and
Ph.D. degrees in Geological Sciences as well as interdisciplinary
undergraduate, M.S., and Ph.D. programs in Environmental Science and
Engineering. The candidates are expected to teach introductory classes as
well as upper division and graduate classes that serve both the
Environmental and Geological Sciences. The Department is in a spacious building
that contains extensive analytical and computing facilities and has
excellent capabilities in remote sensing, GIS and environmental
geophysics, which may be applied to research. In addition, the collaborative
research environment on our campus affords easy access to a superb variety
of analytical equipment in other departments. For more information
about activities and facilities, visit our web site at
http://www.geo.utep.edu.
Qualifications Required: The candidates must have Ph.D. degrees at the
time of appointment. We are seeking candidates capable of building
active research programs and who enjoy collaborative research.
Application Procedure: Candidates should send a letter of application,
curriculum vitae, description of teaching and research interests, and
the names of three people willing to provide professional references to:
Diane Doser, Chair Department of Geological Sciences, The University of
Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, doser@geo.utep.edu. Review of
applications will begin immediately and will continue until positions
are filled.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an equal opportunity employer
committed to excellence through diversity. Underrepresented groups are
encouraged to apply. The University is also a recipient of a National
Science Foundation ADVANCE Institutional Transformation Award to increase
the participation of women in academic science and engineering careers.
The ADVANCE initiative includes an active dual career partner program.
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-122
Educational Outreach Coordinator
Stanford School of Earth Sciences
The Educational Outreach Coordinator will oversee outreach activities
throughout Stanford’s School of Earth Sciences. The position will have
two primary components:
• managing ongoing outreach activities of the school;
• working with faculty to develop outreach components to sponsored
research proposals and, when awarded, implementing and overseeing the
implementation of such outreach programs.
In addition, the coordinator may work with faculty and staff on issues
of web tool development, marketing/communication opportunities for
related activities, and on undergraduate and graduate student recruitment.
This position will report jointly to the Senior Associate Dean and to a
current director of a center/institute within the school with a major
outreach program.
Current outreach programs
GeoKids (1st Grade and 4-6th grades);
Oceanography Science Interns (6th Grade);
High School Summer Internships
Primary responsibility for these programs will be recruiting and
coordinating undergraduate and graduate student volunteers; working with
curriculum development assistants and teaching assistants; promoting the
programs and developing contact with the local schools to facilitate
their delivery; and developing and implementing evaluation methods to
ensure the programs are effectively meeting their educational goals.
New program development and implementation
The coordinator will work with faculty to develop outreach components
for research proposals that will facilitate the successful dissemination
of research discoveries and approaches to the general public,
undergraduate students, and to the K-12 community. The coordinator will also
act as the on-site outreach expert during site visits by potential
funding agencies (such as NSF, NASA), will implement or oversee the
implementation of outreach programs when funded, and will assist faculty in
reporting back to sponsoring agencies. .
In particular, a recently awarded NSF proposal, the Stanford
Environmental Molecular Science Institute (SEMSI), has a rigorous outreach
program. The Coordinator will plan and coordinate all SEMSI educational
outreach activities in consultation with the SEMSI Management Team (Gordon
Brown, Anders Nilsson, and Alfred Spormann), and will be accountable to
the management team for the implementation of the outreach activities.
Specific activities include:
• Help plan and run the SEMSI summer educational outreach activities
for middle school science teachers.
• Organize and supervise web-based learning curriculum for SEMSI
• Coordinate the SEMSI undergraduate summer program involving visiting
undergraduate researchers
• Assist in the organization and running of the Berkeley-Stanford
Summer School on Applications of Synchrotron Radiation (an annual one-week
lecture course for graduate students held alternately at U.C. Berkeley
and Stanford University)
• Coordinate a one-week summer workshop for science journalists
All of the proposed SEMSI outreach activities require significant
collaboration and coordination with several diverse individuals and groups
on the Stanford campus, in the surrounding community, and around the
United States.
General Outreach
The coordinator will interact with the school’s Web manager on
web-based outreach tools, as well as with the school’s Director of
Communications when there is overlap between general marketing and communications
efforts and work done by the Outreach Office. In addition, the
coordinator may work with faculty and staff throughout the school on
undergraduate and graduate recruitment efforts, focused on increasing diversity
and general student enrollment.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will be able to converse with scientists and
educators alike and will be able to explain scientific research in a
meaningful way to the general public. The Outreach Coordinator must be
strongly committed to science education and possess a vision for
promoting outreach. In addition, the following specific qualifications are
required:
• Advanced degree in the natural sciences, environmental engineering or
science education, or 7-10 years equivalent experience in science
education or outreach programs
• Experience interacting with middle or high school science students
and teachers and familiarity with the National Science Education
Standards and the California Science Education Standards
• Relevant teaching experience highly desirable (middle or high school
science, community college, or a non-traditional venue)
• Familiarity with existing successful science education outreach
programs
• Familiarity with (or willingness to learn about) evaluation and
assessment techniques used in science education and outreach
• Familiarity with (or willingness to learn about) the National Science
Foundation and other national funding agency programs and directives
related to outreach and education
• Proactive, excellent organizational abilities, excellent
communication and interpersonal skills, good computer skills (including web-based
educational software development), good team player
Interested individuals should apply online (and please include a cover
letter) at:
http://hrweb.stanford.edu/jobs/openings/jobsearch.html
Search by Requisition # #006569
* * * * * * * * * *
2004-125
Trinity University
Visiting Assistant Professor, Earth Materials
The Department of Geosciences at Trinity University invites
applications for a one-year term appointment at the rank of visiting assistant
professor beginning in August, 2005. The appointment is renewable.
Primary teaching responsibilities include: upper division courses in earth
materials and tectonics and introductory geoscience courses in the
University’s Common Curriculum. Applicants should have a specialization
that includes laboratory and field work in mineralogy, petrology or
geochemistry, and that broadens the scope of existing faculty specializations
which include volcanology, sedimentology, structural geology,
invertebrate paleontology, geophysics and geomorphology/Quaternary geology. Our
department, a member of the Keck Geology Consortium, emphasizes
excellence in undergraduate teaching and opportunities for undergraduate
research.
Applications must include a letter of application, curriculum vitae,
undergraduate and graduate transcripts, a detailed description of
teaching philosophy and research interests, and contact information for three
references; sent to Geosciences Search, Department of Geosciences,
Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212-7200
(email: geosearch@trinity.edu). Further information about the department and
search can be found at http://www.trinity.edu/departments/geosciences/.
Specific questions can be directed to Dr. Glenn Kroeger (email:
gkroeger@trinity.edu). Review of completed applications will begin
January 15, 2005. Women and minority candidates are strongly encouraged
to apply. Trinity University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333
4) CONTACT INFORMATION
To submit an item to E-MAIL NEWS contact: editor@awg.org
To submit advertising contact: ads@awg.org
To change your address or be removed from the list contact: office@awg.org