Act For Chemistry Blog

Public Has High Regard for Science and Scientists

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:08:21 PDT

Check out this story about a survey conducted by Pew Research Center for the People & the Press in collaboration with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), that found that the public has high regard for science and scientists. http://people-press.org/report/528/

It also found that scientists feel they need to reach out more to the public. ACS has a new program to help chemists do just that. The Chemistry Ambassadors program was created because ACS heard from members that they wanted simple and easy to use tools and information to make reaching out to non-chemists more effective. Chemistry Ambassadors help educate people about the importance of chemists and chemistry, while taking part in community activities that are engaging and fulfilling.

Congressional Schedule, July 13 - July 17

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:18:00 PDT

The following schedule takes place for the week of July 13^th - July 17^th. The 111^th Congress convenes this week on Monday, July 13^th. The Senate convenes at 11:00 a.m. Much attention will be focused this week on Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation hearing. The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing begins Monday morning. Also on Monday, the Senate is scheduled to consider the fiscal 2010 defense authorization bill, as well as the nomination of Robert M. Groves to be director of the Census Bureau. The House convenes at 12:30 p.m. The House this week is expected to take up the Energy-Water and Financial Services appropriations bills, although the timing is uncertain. Negotiations are expected to continue among members of both chambers on a pending health care overhaul.

Monday, July 13, 2009

House: Convenes 12:30 p.m.

Under suspension of the rules:

HR 1044 - Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

HR 1442 - Mount Olivet Cemetery Association

HR 934 - Northern Mariana Islands

HR 2188 - Bird habitat conservation

HR 129 - Los Padres National Forest

HR 409 - Bureau of Land Management

HR 762 - Patent number validation

HR 402 - Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic building designation

HR 1037 - Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans

S Con Res 30 - Bureau of Labor Statistics 125th anniversary

H Con Res 123 - John William Heisman

H Res 612 - Metrorail accident

H Res 476 - Black Music Month

H Res 469 - Wayman Lawrence Tisdale

H Res 543 - Home Safety Month

Draft - M. Pope Barrow Jr.

Senate: Convenes 11 a.m.

Roll call votes expected.

S 1390 - Defense authorization

Nomination - Robert M. Groves to be Census Bureau director.

Sen. Lamar Alexander:

Blueprint for 100 New Nuclear Plants

Speech/Address

July 13, 11 a.m., Murrow Room, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, delivers a speech to unveil a blueprint for the creation of 100 nuclear plants in 20 years.

Contact: Jim Jeffries at 202-224-4944 Jim_Jeffries@alexander.senate.gov

NASA Advisory Council:

Heliophysics Subcommittee of NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 13, 8:30 a.m., Renoir Room, L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza SW; July 14, 8:30 a.m.

NASA Advisory Council's Heliophysics Subcommittee holds a two-day meeting that includes a Heliophysics Division overview and program status; annual review of Heliophysics Science Performance for fiscal 2009; status of proposed revision to Heliophysics Data Policy; discussion of Decadal Survey Assessment and NASA Response; and an update on interagency planning for Space Weather Monitor at the L1 Libration Point.

Contact: Marian Norris at 202-358-4452 mnorris@nasa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-16215.htm

American Federation of Teachers:

Educational Standards in Teaching

Seminar/Conference

July 13, 1 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road NW; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) holds a Quality Educational Standards in Teaching (QuEST) conference.

Contact: Janet Bass at 202-879-4554 jbass@aft.org

Center for Strategic and International Studies:

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Verification

Seminar/Conference

July 13, Noon, 902 Hart Bldg.

Center for Strategic and International Studies and the American Association for the Advancement of Science hold a forum on the verification system of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty.

Contact: Neal Urwitz at 202-775-3167 nurwitz@csis.org

Note: Media must RSVP to contact.

Price Carbon Campaign:

Climate Policy, Direct Carbon Pricing

Capitol Hill Briefing

July 13, 1 p.m., SVC-208/209 Capitol Bldg.

Price Carbon Campaign, a joint effort of the Climate Crisis Coalition and Carbon Tax Center, and Citizens Climate Lobby hold a discussion on "Effective Climate Policy With Direct Carbon Pricing."

Contact: James Handley at 202-546-5692 jashand@juno.com

Note: Hill staff and media may register on-site. Advance registration for all others is closed.

For further information: http://www.climatecrisiscoalition.org/sb_flyer.pdf

U.S. Demand Response Coordinating Committee:

Smart Grid and Energy Policy Issues

Seminar/Conference

July 13, 8:30 a.m., Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. N.W.; July 14, 8:30 a.m.

U.S. Demand Response Coordinating Committee holds a "National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid."

Contact: Kara Saul Rinaldi at 202-471-2132 kara.rinaldi@erm.com

For further information: http://www.smartgridtownmeeting.com/home/

Technology Policy Institute:

Broadband Competition Policy

Panel Discussion

July 13, Noon, B-340 Rayburn Bldg.

Technology Policy Institute holds a discussion on "how the U.S. broadband market is developing, how competition in the U.S. compares to elsewhere, and how various policy prescriptions, such as open access and functional separation, would be likely to affect investment."

Contact: 202-828-4405 acreel@techpolicyinstitute.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.techpolicyinstitute.org/events/show/78.html

Center for Strategic and International Studies:

Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Verification

Seminar/Conference

July 13, Noon, 902 Hart Bldg.

Center for Strategic and International Studies and the American Association for the Advancement of Science hold a forum on the verification system of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty.

Contact: Neal Urwitz at 202-775-3167 nurwitz@csis.org

Note: Media must RSVP to contact.

Aerospace Industries Association:

Aerospace Industrial Base Report

News Conference/Briefing

July 13, Noon, AIA, 1000 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va., Suite 1700

Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) holds a news conference to release and discuss its report on "the effects of alternative strategic postures on the U.S. aerospace and defense industrial base."

Contact: Alexis Allen at 703-358-1075 Alexis.allen@aia-aerospace.org

Note: RSVP to Dan Stohr at 703-358-1078 or dan.stohr@aia-aerospace.org.

National Institute of Standards and Technology:

Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity

Training Course/Workshop

July 13, 9 a.m., NIST Gaithersburg campus, Administration Building, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Md., employees' lounge and poster hallway; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in cooperation with the Australian federal government agency Centrelink, holds a public workshop to explore potential commercial implementations of the Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity and the potential usefulness of this protocol to U.S. federal agencies.

Contact: Tanya Brewer at 301-975-4534 tbrewer@nist.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14459.htm

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

House: The House will convene at noon for legislative business. The chamber is expected to consider measures under suspension of the rules.

H Res 607 - A resolution celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

HR 2729 - A bill to authorize the designation of National Environmental Research Parks by the secretary of Energy, and for other purposes.

H Con Res 156 - A concurrent resolution condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in July 1994, and for other purposes.

H Res 538 - A resolution supporting Olympic Day on June 23, 2009, and encouraging the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago, Ill., as the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

H Res 555 - A resolution expressing concern for the well-being of journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee and urging the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to release them on humanitarian grounds.

HR 1511 - Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009

H Res 519 - A resolution expressing appreciation to the people and government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and government of the United States and congratulating Canada as it celebrates "Canada Day."

HR 1933 - A Child Is Missing Alert and Recovery Center Act

S Con Res 29 - A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Congress that John Arthur 'Jack' Johnson should receive a posthumous pardon for the racially motivated conviction in 1913 that diminished the athletic, cultural and historic significance of Jack Johnson and unduly tarnished his reputation.

HR 2632 - Korean War Veterans Recognition Act

Senate: The Senate will be in session. Time TBA.

NASA Advisory Council:

Heliophysics Subcommittee of NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 13, 8:30 a.m., Renoir Room, L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L'Enfant Plaza SW; July 14, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Marian Norris at 202-358-4452 mnorris@nasa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-16215.htm

U.S. Demand Response Coordinating Committee:

Smart Grid and Energy Policy Issues

Seminar/Conference

July 13, 8:30 a.m., Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. N.W.; July 14, 8:30 a.m.

U.S. Demand Response Coordinating Committee holds a "National Town Meeting on Demand Response and Smart Grid."

Contact: Kara Saul Rinaldi at 202-471-2132 kara.rinaldi@erm.com

For further information: http://www.smartgridtownmeeting.com/home/

National Institute of Standards and Technology:

Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity

Training Course/Workshop

July 13, 9 a.m., NIST Gaithersburg campus, Administration Building, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Md., employees' lounge and poster hallway; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

Contact: Tanya Brewer at 301-975-4534 tbrewer@nist.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14459.htm

American Federation of Teachers:

Educational Standards in Teaching

Seminar/Conference

July 13, 1 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road NW; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) holds a Quality Educational Standards in Teaching (QuEST) conference.

Contact: Janet Bass at 202-879-4554 jbass@aft.org

EPA's Ecological Processes and Effects Panel:

Science Advisory Board Ecological Processes and Effects Committee

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 14, 9 a.m., SAB Conference Center, 1025 F St. NW, Room 3705; July 15, 8:30 a.m.

Science Advisory Board Ecological Processes and Effects Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds a two-day meeting to provide advice on EPA's implementation of the Ecosystem Services Research Program.

Contact: Thomas Armitage at 202-343-9995 armitage.thomas@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14713.htm

Teacher Pay, School Improvement:

Center for American Progress

Panel Discussion

July 14, 9 a.m., Center for American Progress, 1333 H St. NW, 10th floor

Center for American Progress holds a discussion titled "More Bang for the Buck: Leveraging Compensation Reform for School Improvement."

Contact: 202-682-1611

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.americanprogress.org/events/2009/07/teachercompensation.html

Competition for Water Resources:

Farm Foundation

Panel Discussion

July 14, 9 a.m., National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

Farm Foundation holds a forum on competition for water resources.

Contact: Linda Singer at 630-571-9393 Linda@farmfoundation.org

Note: E-mail RSVP to contact.

For further information: http://www.farmfoundation.org/webcontent/Farm-Foundation-Forums-363.aspx?articleid=363&zoneid=85&

Racial Education Achievement Gaps:

National Center for Education Statistics

News Conference/Briefing

July 14, 9:30 a.m., First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

National Center for Education Statistics holds a news conference to release a report titled "Achievement Gaps: How Black and White Students in Public Schools Perform in Mathematics and Reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress."

Contact: Connie Ward at 202-842-3600, ext. 264 cward@hagersharp.com

Note: Event will be Webcast and available via teleconference. RSVP to contact for dial-in information.

For further information: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/media_advisory.asp

Benefits of Reducing Global Warming:

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 14, 10 a.m., 406 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Chairman Boxer, D-Calif.) will hold a hearing titled "Economic Opportunities for Agriculture, Forestry Communities, and Others in Reducing Global Warming Pollution."

Contact: Bettina Poirier - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-224-8832

Teacher Qualification, Effectiveness:

ASCD

Panel Discussion

July 14, 11 a.m., SVC-202/203 Capitol Bldg.

ASCD holds a discussion titled "Moving From Highly Qualified to Highly Effective Teachers."

Contact: Melissa McCabe at 703-575-5637 mmccabe@ascd.org

Note: RSVP to Soumya Vishnu at svishnu@ascd.org or 703-575-5604.

For further information: http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/siteASCD/publications/newsandissues/Teacher_Effectiveness_briefing.pdf

Mining Legislation:

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 14, 10 a.m., 366 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Chairman Bingaman, D-N.M.) will hold a hearing on pending legislation.

Contact: Robert M. Simon - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4971

Hastings on Offshore Drilling:

Rep. Doc Hastings

News Conference/Briefing

July 14, 11 a.m., House Triangle, Capitol Bldg.

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, holds a news conference to highlight the one-year anniversary of former President George W. Bush's lifting of the federal moratorium on Outer Continental Shelf drilling.

Contact: Emily Lawrimore at 202-226-2311 emily.lawrimore@mail.house.gov

Committees of NASA Advisory Council:

NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 14, 11:15 a.m., 6B42 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 14, 12:45 p.m., 8R40 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 8:30 a.m., 6B42 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 8:30 a.m., 8D48 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 8:30 a.m., 7H45 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 8:30 a.m., 8R40 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 8:30 a.m., 7D61 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 15, 9 a.m., 5J46 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW

NASA Advisory Council announces a schedule of committee meetings, whose agendas include updates from the prior Advisory Council meeting held at NASA headquarters in April, as well as discussion of potential recommendations.

Contact: Marguerite Broadwell at 202-358-1894

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15475.htm

DOE Oil and Natural Gas Program Status:

Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 14, 1 p.m., TMS Inc., 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 1500

Unconventional Resources Technology Advisory Committee of the Department of Energy (DOE) holds a meeting that includes a presentation on the status of DOE Oil and Natural Gas Program, Section 999 planning process, status of the Unconventional Natural Gas and Other Petroleum Resources Program, overview of response to Section 999D advisory committee recommendations, and facilitated discussions.

Contact: Elena Melchert at 202-586-5600

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14109.htm

Wind and Solar Energy:

House Science and Technology - Subcommittee on Energy and Environment

Subcommittee Hearing

July 14, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn Bldg.

Energy and Environment Subcommittee (Chairman Baird, D-Wash.) of House Science and Technology Committee will hold a hearing on wind and solar energy research and development.

Contact: Jean Fruci - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-6375

Biologic Drugs and Innovation:

House Judiciary - Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy

Subcommittee Hearing

July 14, 2 p.m., 2141 Rayburn Bldg.

Courts and Competition Policy Subcommittee (Chairman Johnson, D-Ga.) of House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing titled "Biologics and Biosimilars: Balancing Incentives for Innovation."

Contact: Christal Sheppard - Democratic Chief Counsel at 202-225-5741

Transportation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 14, 2:30 p.m., 406 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Chairman Boxer, D-Calif.) will hold a hearing on the role of transportation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Contact: Bettina Poirier - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-224-8832

"Economic Benefits of Broadband":

Internet Innovation Alliance

July 14, 3 p.m., 902 Hart Bldg.

Internet Innovation Alliance (IIA) holds a discussion on "The Economic Benefits of Broadband on the American Consumer and Economy."

Contact: 866-970-8647 Lauren@internetinnovation.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://internetinnovation.org/activities/Internet-Academy/

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

House: The House will convene at 10 a.m. for legislative business and is expected to consider the fiscal 2010 Energy-Water spending bill.

Draft Bill - Fiscal 2010 Energy-Water Appropriations (House)

Senate: The Senate will be in session. Time TBA.

National Institute of Standards and Technology:

Protocol for Lightweight Authentication of Identity

Training Course/Workshop

July 13, 9 a.m., NIST Gaithersburg campus, Administration Building, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Md., employees' lounge and poster hallway; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

Contact: Tanya Brewer at 301-975-4534 tbrewer@nist.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14459.htm

American Federation of Teachers:

Educational Standards in Teaching

Seminar/Conference

July 13, 1 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park, 2660 Woodley Road NW; July 14, 9 a.m.; July 15, 9 a.m.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) holds a Quality Educational Standards in Teaching (QuEST) conference.

Contact: Janet Bass at 202-879-4554 jbass@aft.org

EPA's Ecological Processes and Effects Panel:

Science Advisory Board Ecological Processes and Effects Committee

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 14, 9 a.m., SAB Conference Center, 1025 F St. NW, Room 3705; July 15, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Thomas Armitage at 202-343-9995 armitage.thomas@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14713.htm

Committees of NASA Advisory Council:

NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

Contact: Marguerite Broadwell at 202-358-1894

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15475.htm

DOE Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Panel:

Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 15, 8 a.m., TMS Inc., 955 L'Enfant Plaza North SW, Suite 1500

Ultra-Deepwater Advisory Committee of the Department of Energy (DOE) holds a meeting that includes presentation on the status of DOE Oil and Natural Gas Program, section 999 planning process, status of Ultra-Deepwater Program, overview of response to section 999D advisory committee recommendations, and facilitated discussions.

Contact: Elena Melchert at 202-586-5600

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15400.htm

NIH Clinical Trials and Translational Research Advisory Panel:

National Cancer Institute

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 15, 8 a.m., Building 31, 6th floor, C-Wing, Conference Room 10, National Institutes of Health, 1 Center Drive, Bethesda Md.

National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials and Translational Research Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) holds a meeting for an update on the progress of the implementation of the Clinical Trials Working Group and the Translational Research Working Group reports.

Contact: Sheila A. Prindiville at 301-451-5048 prindivs@mail.nih.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-11585.htm

"Creating Sustainable Futures: Global Issues - Local Actions":

Heinrich Boell Foundation

Seminar/Conference

July 15, 9 a.m., National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

Heinrich Boell Foundation and EarthAction hold a forum titled "Creating Sustainable Futures: Global Issues - Local Actions."

Contact: 202-462-7512 info@boell.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.boell.org/Events_read.cfm?EventID=289

FERC's Role in Energy Regulation:

Platts

News Conference/Briefing

July 15, 9:30 a.m., McGraw-Hill/Platts, 1200 G St. NW, Suite 1000

Platts holds a news conference with Mark Spitzer, commission of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), on the "FERC's role in regulating the evolving energy markets during the continuing transition to a new administration and Congress."

Contact: Chris Newkumet at 202-383-2141 chris_newkumet@platts.com

Note: Credentialed media only. RSVP to Elizabeth Catalano at elizabeth_catalano@platts.com.

Cell Phones in Prisons:

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 15, 10 a.m., 253 Russell Bldg.

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (Chairman Rockefeller, D-W.Va.) will hold a hearing titled "Contraband Cell Phones in Correctional Facilities: Public Safety Impact and the Potential Implications of Jamming Technologies."

Contact: Ellen Doneski - Democratic Chief of Staff at 202-224-0411

Surface Transportation R&D:

House Science and Technology - Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation

Subcommittee Markup

July 15, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn Bldg.

Technology and Innovation Subcommittee (Chairman Wu, D-Ore.) of House Science and Technology Committee will mark up pending legislation.

Contact: Mike Quear - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-6375

Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Threat Reduction:

House Armed Services Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 15, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn Bldg.

House Armed Services Committee (Chairman Skelton, D-Mo.) will hold a hearing titled "Addressing a New Generation of Threats from Weapons of Mass Destruction: Department of Energy Non-proliferation Programs and the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program."

Contact: Erin Conaton - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-4151

Climate Bill and Energy Prices:

American Public Power Association

News Conference/Briefing

July 15, 10 a.m., Zenger Room, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

American Public Power Association, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates hold a news conference to release a report by Synapse Energy Economics on "the impact of new cap-and-trade policies on electric rates across the country."

Contact: Nick Braden at 202-467-2952 nbraden@appanet.org

Note: Media unable to attend may participate via teleconference at 800-926-7713.

Environment and Public Works Legislation:

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Full Committee Markup

July 15, 10:30 a.m., 406 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Chairman Boxer, D-Calif.) will mark up pending legislation.

Contact: Bettina Poirier - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-224-8832

Biologics Legislation:

Center for Medicine in the Public Interest

News Conference/Briefing

July 15, Noon, Caucus Room, Cannon Bldg.

Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., and the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest hold a discussion followed by a media briefing on "Follow-On Biologics Legislation Update: Congressional Leaders and Medical Experts Discuss Patient Safety."

Contact: Meryl Reichbach at 212-417-9169 mreichbach@cmpi.org

Note: E-RSVP to contact.

Competition as Biology Teaching Model:

Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus

Full Committee Speech/Address

July 15, Noon, B-340 Rayburn Bldg.

Congressional Biomedical Research Caucus holds a discussion on "Innovation Through Education: Harnessing the Energy of Young Scientists in the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition." The discussion will focus on "how this innovative contest foreshadows new ways in which biology could be taught, practiced and applied in the future."

Contact: Lynn Marquis at 301-347-9309

Note: RSVP to contact.

Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board:

Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 15, 1 p.m., Call contact for dial-in information.

Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board (ELAB) of the Environmental Protection Agency holds a series of teleconference meetings that will include discussions on expanding the number of laboratories seeking National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference accreditation; proficiency testing; ELAB support to the agency's Forum on Environmental Measurements; implementing the performance approach; and follow-up on some of ELAB's past recommendations and issues.

Contact: Lara P. Autry at 919-541-5544 autry.lara@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-6612.htm

Assessment of Atlantic Red Drum Stock:

SEDAR 18 Assessment Panel

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 15, 1 p.m., RSVP to contact for dial-in information.

SEDAR 18 Assessment Workshop Panel of the National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, holds a meeting via conference call. The panel is developing an assessment of the Atlantic red drum stock, and the meeting is to review preliminary assessment model results, select a preferred assessment model, and discuss future analytical needs.

Contact: Dale L. Theiling at 843-571-4366 or 866-SAFMC-10

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14570.htm

Clean Water Trust Fund:

House Transportation and Infrastructure - Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment

Subcommittee Hearing

July 15, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn Bldg.

Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee (Chairman Johnson, D-Texas) of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing titled "Opportunities and Challenges in the Creation of a Clean Water Trust Fund."

Contact: Ryan Seiger - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-0060

Parks and Lands Bills:

Senate Energy and Natural Resources - Subcommittee on National Parks

Subcommittee Hearing

July 15, 2:30 p.m., 366 Dirksen Bldg.

National Parks Subcommittee (Chairman Udall, D-Colo.) of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on pending legislation.

Contact: Robert M. Simon - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4971

FCC Nominations:

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Full Committee Confirmation Hearing

July 15, 2:30 p.m., 253 Russell Bldg.

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (Chairman Rockefeller, D-W.Va.) will hold a confirmation hearing on pending nominations.

Contact: Ellen Doneski - Democratic Chief of Staff at 202-224-0411

New Zealand's Environment Policies:

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Speech/Address

July 15, 5 p.m., Auditorium, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1200 New York Ave. N.W.

American Association for the Advancement of Science hosts a lecture on how New Zealand is confronting environmental challenges in energy, climate change, food production and water management, and how "a history of science partnerships by the U.S. and New Zealand provide a base for the two countries to work more closely on global environmental challenges."

Contact: Earl Lane at 202-326-6431 elane@aaas.org

Note: RSVP to contact.

Undergraduate Biology Education:

American Association for the Advancement of Science

Seminar/Conference

July 15, 5:30 p.m., Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1000 H St. NW; July 16, 8 a.m.; July 17, 9 a.m.

American Association for the Advancement of Science holds a conference on "Transforming Undergraduate Biology Education."

Contact: Benjamin Somers at 202-326-6414 bsomers@aaas.org

Thursday, July 16, 2009

House: The House will convene at 10 a.m. for legislative business and is expected to consider the fiscal 2010 Financial Services spending bill (HR 3170). HR 3170 - Fiscal 2010 Financial Services Appropriations

Senate: The Senate will be in session. Time TBA.

Industry Outreach for Climate Change Negotiations:

Department of Commerce

Public Affairs Program

July 16, Time TBA, To apply to participate in the roundtable, RSVP to contact.

Department of Commerce hosts a half-day roundtable for industry participants during which senior U.S. government officials will outline the draft negotiation text of a new agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, provide updates on recent developments and solicit individual input from participants.

Contact: Brian O'Hanlon at 202-482-3492 brian.ohanlon@mail.doc.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15049.htm

NASA Advisory Council Committee Updates:

NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 16, 8 a.m., Columbia Ballroom, Holiday Inn Capitol Hill, 550 C St. SW

NASA Advisory Council holds a meeting that includes updates from each of the council committees, including discussion and deliberation of potential recommendations. The council committees address NASA's work in the areas of aeronautics, audit and finance, space exploration, human capital, science, and space operations.

Contact: Marguerite Broadwell at 202-358-1894

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14605.htm

Information Technology, "New Kinds of American High Schools":

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Panel Discussion

July 16, 9 a.m., ITIF, 1101 K St. NW, Suite 610

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) holds a discussion on "The Role of Information Technology in Creating New Kinds of American High Schools."

Contact: 202-449-1351 mail@innovationpolicy.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.itif.org/index.php?id=257

Evaluation of Nonproliferation Efforts:

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies

Panel Discussion

July 16, 9 a.m., 1111 19th St. NW, 12th floor

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies holds a discussion on the "effectiveness and viability" of the nuclear nonproliferation treaty and other nonproliferation efforts.

Contact: Deborah Berman at 202-842-3100, ext. 309 NonproliferationReview@gmail.com

Note: RSVP to contact.

For further information: http://cns.miis.edu/activities/

Energy Supply Forum:

U.S. Energy Association

Seminar/Conference

July 16, 9 a.m., Ballroom, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

U.S. Energy Association holds its second annual Energy Supply Forum.

Contact: Kim Grover at 202-312-1236 KGrover@usea.org

Note: Register online.

For further information: http://www.usea.org/Energy_Supply_Forum_2009.asp

Carbon Capture Status and Outlook:

Infocast

Seminar/Conference

July 16, 9 a.m., AED Conference Center, 1825 Connecticut Ave. NW, 8th floor; July 17, 9 a.m.

Infocast holds its third annual "Carbon Capture Status and Outlook" conference.

Contact: 818-888-4444 mail@infocastinc.com

Note: Fee: $995 to $1,395. Register online.

For further information: http://www.infocastinc.com/index.php/conference/187

Clean Energy Economy:

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 16, 9:30 a.m., 406 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Chairman Boxer, D-Calif.) will hold a hearing on American competitiveness while moving towards a clean energy economy.

Contact: Bettina Poirier - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-224-8832

Nuclear Waste Management:

House Budget Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 16, 10 a.m., 210 Cannon Bldg.

House Budget Committee (Chairman Spratt, D-S.C.) will hold a hearing on budgeting for nuclear waste management.

Contact: Thomas S. Kahn - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-226-7200

Lessons From Europe on Education:

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Panel Discussion

July 16, 10 a.m., 5th floor conference room, Woodrow Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars holds a discussion on "The European Edge in Education: What the United States Can Learn."

Contact: Maria-Stella Gatzoulis at 202-691-4188 maria-stella.gatzoulis@wilsoncenter.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event_summary&event_id=539979

Science and the Air Force:

National Economists Club

Speech/Address

July 16, 12:30 p.m., Chinatown Garden Restaurant, 618 H St. NW

National Economists Club holds a discussion on "Science in the Cause of Air Power: Basic Research in the United States Air Force."

Contact: 703-493-8824 info@national-economists.org

Note: RSVP online. Cost: $16 for members, $20 for non-members.

For further information: http://www.national-economists.org/calendar.html

"Road to the New Energy Economy":

National Science Foundation

Panel Discussion

July 16, 12:30 p.m., 385 Russell Bldg.

National Science Foundation, IEEE-USA, DISCOVER Magazine and American Society of Mechanical Engineers hold a discussion on "The Road to the New Energy Economy."

Contact: Bill Williams at 202-213-4040 bill.williams@ieee.org

Note: RSVP to events@discovermagazine.com.

U.S. Education, International Standards:

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Panel Discussion

July 16, 12:30 p.m., 2203 Rayburn Bldg.

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars holds a discussion on "No Country Left Behind: Bringing the U.S. Up to International Standards."

Contact: Maria-Stella Gatzoulis at 202-691-4188 maria-stella.gatzoulis@wilsoncenter.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event_summary&event_id=541854

Enhancing the Relevance of Outer Space:

House Science and Technology - Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics

Subcommittee Hearing

July 16, 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn Bldg.

Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee (Chairman Giffords, D-Ariz.) of House Science and Technology Committee will hold a hearing titled "Enhancing the Relevance of Space to Address National Needs."

Contact: Dick Obermann - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-6375

Benefits of Green Buildings:

House Transportation and Infrastructure - Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management

Subcommittee Hearing

July 16, 2 p.m., 2167 Rayburn Bldg.

Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Subcommittee (Chairman Norton, D-D.C.) of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a hearing titled "Green Buildings Offer Multiple Benefits: Cost Savings, Clean Environment and Jobs."

Contact: Susan Brita - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-9961

Research in Social, Behavioral Science:

Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences

Panel Discussion

July 16, 4 p.m., 2168 Rayburn Bldg.

Federation of Associations in Behavioral and Brain Sciences and Consortium of Social Science Associations hold a discussion on "federally funded research in the social and behavioral sciences."

Contact: Meghan McGowan at 202-336-5922 MMcGowan@fbpcs.org

Note: RSVP to federation@fbpcs.org.

For further information: http://www.thefederationonline.org/events/Briefings/2009_NSTC_SBE/

Friday, July 17, 2009

House: The House will convene at 9 a.m. and continue legislative business from the previous day.

Senate: The Senate will be in session. Time TBA.

Fiscal 2010 Appropriations: Labor-HHS-Education:

House Appropriations Committee

Full Committee Markup

July 17, 9 a.m., 2359 Rayburn Bldg.

House Appropriations Committee (Chairman Obey, D-Wis.) will mark up draft fiscal 2010 appropriations for the departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

Contact: Beverly Pheto - Democratic Clerk and Staff Director at 202-225-2771

Note: Subcommittee markup held July 10.

Girls' Education, Fighting Poverty:

United Nations Population Fund

Capitol Hill Briefing

July 17, 9:30 a.m., 2168 Rayburn Bldg.

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the U.N. Foundation and others hold a discussion on "the link between girls' education and fighting poverty."

Contact: Nicole Tidwell at 202-326-8710 ntidwell@ccmc.org

Offshore Wind as Energy Source:

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

Capitol Hill Briefing

July 17, 11 a.m., SVC-203/202 Capitol Bldg.

Environmental and Energy Study Institute holds a briefing on the potential to produce clean, renewable energy from offshore wind.

Contact: Laura Parsons at 202-662-1884 lparsons@eesi.org

Note: Non-congressional staff must e-mail RSVP to contact by 4 p.m. July 15.

For further information: http://www.eesi.org/071709_offshore

ARPA Releases It's First Funding Opportunity Announcement

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:15:00 PDT

See the press release below.

Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy Techline

Issued on: July 8, 2009

High Interest in ARPA-E's Initial Funding Opportunity for Transformational Energy Technology

ARPA-E Begins Review of 3,500 Potentially Transformational R&D Proposals

Washington, DC - The Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) completed the submission stage of its first Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) released April 27th, 2009. ARPA-E has received approximately 3,500 concept papers for the $150 million available as part of this FOA (DE-FOA-0000065).

The large number of submissions - "Concept Papers" - for ARPA-E's initial FOA outstripped the expectations of industry observers and highlights America's capacity for Energy technology innovation that can be applied to transformational research and development (R&D).

ARPA-E's first solicitation is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The announcement is primarily aimed at prospective applicants who already have a relatively well-formed R&D plan for a transformational concept or new technology that can make a significant contribution if and when successfully deployed. Submitters of the most meritorious Concept Papers will be encouraged to submit Full Proposals. ARPA-E expects to provide responses to Concept Paper applicants by the end of the last week in July on whether a Concept is likely to form a basis of a successful Full Proposal. The deadline for Full Proposals is expected to be the end of August.

ARPA-E is currently planning future solicitations as part of its ongoing mission to fund and support transformational energy-related technology research and development.

For more information about ARPA-E, including updated FAQs, please visit http://arpa-e.energy.gov/

President Obama Nominates Francis Collins as NIH Director

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:05:00 PDT

President Barack Obama nominated Dr. Francis Collins on Wednesday to be the 16^th director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Collins has become a lead scientist through his landmark discoveries of disease genes and his leadership role at the National Human Genome Research Institute and with the Human Genome Project. As the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, Dr. Collins made great contributions to the Human Genome Project that sequenced all human DNA. With a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Yale University and a medical degree from the University of North Carolina, Dr. Collins has also written at length about the promising future of medical research in transforming health and healthcare. President Barack Obama stated that "Dr. Collins is one of the top scientists in the world, and his groundbreaking work has changed the very ways we consider our health and examine disease."

Fellow doctors, scientists, and supporters believe that Dr. Collins will motivate the science community and work to ensure that the President's campaign pledge to double the NIH budget over the next 10 years is carried out. Dr. Collins began working at the NIH in 1993 on a project that later identified genes associated with type 2 diabetes and the genes responsible for Huntington's disease, neurofibromatosis, Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and cystic fibrosis. He continued working at the NIH until May 8, 2008, when he resigned to pursue writing. Dr. Collins wrote "The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief," which explores the relationship between science and evolution. His newest book, "The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine," will be published in 2010.

Although many have criticized Dr. Collins for his public embrace of religion and the lack of medical advancements associated with the Human Genome Project since 2003, Dr. Collins has been charged with raising expectations impossibly high at the NIH. Support for Dr. Collins is not universal. Fran Visco, the president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, stated that "the NIH needs visionary leadership willing to challenge the present stagnation at the institute." She believes this may be difficult for Dr. Collins, since he has been a part of the system. However, she said she looks forward to working with him "to help him move beyond a focus on technology and to push NIH to foster innovation and regain the sense of urgency to save lives."

Dr. Collins and the Obama administration await his uncertain confirmation by the Senate. If chosen Dr. Collins would succeed Raynard Kington, who has been the director at the NIH since last fall.

Where are the new blog posts?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:34:15 PDT

Over the next couple of days the ACS Office of Public Affairs will be consolidating into one office space so our postings will be limited.

Senate Subcommittee Approves Appropriations Bill

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 13:32:00 PDT

The Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development convened this morning to mark up draft fiscal 2010 appropriations for programs under its jurisdiction. The last major action on the Draft Bill took place June 18^th during a hearing held by the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. The Senate Appropriations Committee is set for a full committee markup of the Draft Bill-Fiscal 2010 Energy-Water Appropriations tomorrow, July 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Subcommittee Chairman Dorgan (D-ND) asked in his opening remarks that all amendments be held until the full committee markup tomorrow. Dorgan said that although the FY 2010 request is higher than in previous years, the President's budget still falls short. Following his statement that the budget was relatively flat due to the administration's lack of time, Dorgan acknowledged the administration's efforts to move in a positive direction.

Dorgan focused his remarks on the need for continued funding of current projects. He stated that projects already in progress must be the priority, and the inability to accommodate new projects, even the administration's, continues to be an issue. He commented on the administration's termination of the hydrogen fuel program, and abandonment of a number of unfinished projects. Dorgan stated his belief that we are moving towards a hydrogen fuel-cell drive future and the termination of this program would have imminent consequences. The bill provides $190 million for hydrogen fuel-cell research. The Obama administration proposed decreasing the funding to $68 billion.

The Subcommittee agreed that the $33.4 billion dollar bill, which increases many of the requests, ultimately balances the highs and lows of the budget request, and emphasizes the continuation of current investments. The bill's spending number lies between the $34.4 billion proposed by the Obama administration and the $33.3 billion approved by the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday. The Senate bill provides $27.4 billion to the Energy Department; whereas, the House bill provides $26.9 billion and the White House requests $28.4 billion. The Senate bill provides $2.3 billion to Renewable Energy Research, which is the same amount provided by the house. This is slightly more than the $1.9 billion requested by the administration. The Senate bill slightly increases spending on the Energy's Department nuclear weapons programs. The bill's spending number for water infrastructure projects falls in-between the slightly higher House number and the administration's request at $5.1 billion. More importantly the bill is broad-based, develops energy self-sufficiency, and deals with the most valuable resource, water. Another member stated his support for the continued funding of the DOE Office of Science and that an investment in science labs is an investment in the future. The Subcommittee moved to a voice vote and approved the bill, which will appear before the full committee tomorrow afternoon.

Former ACS Green Chemistry Head Moves Towards EPA Research Helm

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:14:11 PDT

Dr. Paul Anastas nomination to be Assistant Administrator of Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency advanced forward in the Senate confirmation process today by clearing the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Dr. Anastas is former head of the ACS Green Chemistry Institute and an acknowledge leader in the field of sustainable chemistry. Anastas was chosen to lead EPA's research wing. His nomination next must go before the full senate for approval.

Congressional Schedule, July 6 - July 10

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:20:00 PDT

The following schedule takes place for the week of July 6^th - July 10^th. The 111^th Congress convenes this week on Monday, July 6^th. The Senate convenes at 2:00 p.m. The House is not in session. The House reconvenes at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. The Senate is expected to pass the Legislative Branch spending bill, with an afternoon vote on an amendment to the substitute amendment to the bill and a later vote on final passage of the bill as amended. Two markups are scheduled, including a Senate panel markup of the military constructions appropriations bill.

Monday, July 6, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: The Senate will reconvene at 2 p.m. and proceed to a period of morning business for one hour. The Senate will then resume consideration of a Legislative Branch appropriations bill (HR 2918). At 5:30 p.m., the Senate will vote on an amendment to the substitute amendment to the bill from John McCain, R-Ariz. The Senate is then expected to vote on final passage of the bill as amended. HR 2918 - Fiscal 2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations

Senate Appropriations - Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies:

Cancer Research Funding

Subcommittee Field Hearing

July 6, 9:30 a.m., Kirby Auditorium, National Constitution Center, 6th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, Pa.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee (Chairman Harkin, D-Iowa) of Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a field hearing on funding innovative cancer research.

Contact: Ellen Murray - Democratic Clerk at 202-224-9145

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards:

Subcommittee on Radiation Protection and Nuclear Materials

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 6, 1 p.m., Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md., Room T2-B3

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Subcommittee on Radiation Protection and Nuclear Materials holds a meeting that includes review Template NEI-08-08, "Generic FSAR Template Guidance for Life-Cycle Minimization of Contamination," and Interim Staff Guidance (ISG) ISG-06, "Evaluation and Acceptance Criteria for 10 CFR 20.1406 to Support Design Certification and Combined License Applications."

Contact: Derek Widmayer at 301-415-7366

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14117.htm

Outdoor Resources Review Group:

Recreational Use of Land, Water Resources

News Conference/Briefing

July 6, 2 p.m., 366 Dirksen Bldg.

Outdoor Resources Review Group holds a briefing to discuss its report on "how Americans engage with and value the nation's land and water resources and the recreational opportunities they provide."

Contact: Bill Wicker at 202-224-5243 bill_wicker@energy.senate.gov

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

House: The House will reconvene at 2 p.m. for legislative business and is expected to take up several measures under suspension of the rules. Votes expected at 6:30 p.m.

HR 1129 - A bill to authorize the secretary of the Interior to provide an annual grant to facilitate an iron working training program for Native Americans.

HR 1275 - Utah Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2009

HR 762 - A bill to validate final patent number 27-2005-0081, and for other purposes.

HR 556 - Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act

HR 1044 - Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009

HR 1945 - Tule River Tribe Water Development Act

HR 934 - A bill to convey certain submerged lands to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in order to give that territory the same benefits in its submerged lands as Guam, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa have in their submerged lands.

H Res 476 - A resolution celebrating the 30th anniversary of June as "Black Music Month."

H Res 469 - A resolution honoring the life of Wayman Lawrence Tisdale and expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives on his passing.

H Con Res 142 - A concurrent resolution supporting National Men's Health Week.

H Con Res 127 - A concurrent resolution recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

H Res 507 - A resolution supporting the goals of National Dairy Month.

H Con Res 135 - A concurrent resolution directing the architect of the Capitol to place a marker in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center which acknowledges the role that slave labor played in the construction of the United States Capitol, and for other purposes.

H Con Res 131 - A concurrent resolution directing the architect of the Capitol to engrave the pledge of allegiance to the flag and the national motto of "In God we trust" in the Capitol Visitor Center.

H Res 285 - A resolution congratulating the people of the Republic of Lithuania on the 1000th anniversary of Lithuania and celebrating the rich history of Lithuania.

HR 1511 - Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2009

Senate: The Senate will be in session. Time TBA.

Technology Innovation Program Advisory Panel:

Technology Innovation Program Advisory Board

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 7, 8:30 a.m., Administration Building, Employees' Lounge, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg Md.

Technology Innovation Program Advisory Board of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Department of Commerce, holds a meeting to review and make recommendations regarding general policy for the Technology Innovation Program (TIP), its organization, its budget and its programs within the framework of applicable national policies as set forth by the president and Congress. The agenda will include a TIP update.

Contact: JoEllen Hansroth at 301-975-2162 joellen.hansroth@nist.gov

Note: Pre-registration to contact is required.

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14733.htm

Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant License Renewal:

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 7, 8:30 a.m., NRC, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md., Room T-2B3

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Subcommittee on Plant License Renewal holds a meeting to discuss the Prairie Island license renewal application and the associated Safety Evaluation Report with open items. The subcommittee will hear presentations by and hold discussions with representatives of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff, Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, and other interested people regarding this matter.

Contact: Christopher Brown at 301-415-7111

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14112.htm

Public Transit and Climate Change:

Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs - Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development

Subcommittee Hearing

July 7, 9:30 a.m., 538 Dirksen Bldg.

Housing, Transportation and Community Development Subcommittee (Chairman Menendez, D-N.J.) of Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee will hold a hearing titled "Public Transportation: A Core Climate Solution."

Contact: Emma Palmer - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4744

Future of Nuclear Power:

Heritage Foundation

Speech/Address

July 7, 10 a.m., Allison Auditorium, Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Ave. N.E.

Heritage Foundation holds a discussion on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and "the future of nuclear power."

Contact: 202-675-1761 info@heritage.org

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.heritage.org/press/events/ev070709a.cfm

ACRS Subcommittee on Planning and Procedures:

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 7, Noon, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md., Room T2-B3

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) Subcommittee on Planning and Procedures holds a meeting that a portion of which may be closed. The agenda includes discussion of proposed ACRS activities and related matters.

Contact: Sam Duraiswamy at 301-415-7364

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14121.htm

Materials and Metallurgy Research Projects:

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 7, 1:30 p.m., NRC, 11545 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md., Room T2-B3

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards Subcommittee on Materials, Metallurgy and Reactor Fuels, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), holds a meeting to discuss the technical approach and programmatic justification for the materials and metallurgy research projects, sponsored by the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research.

Contact: Christopher Brown at 301-415-7111

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14304.htm

ACRS Subcommittee on Future Plant Designs:

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 7, 1:30 p.m., Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md., Commission Hearing Room

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) Subcommittee on Future Plant Designs holds a meeting that includes a review the draft final Regulatory Guide 1.215 (DG-1204), "Guidance for ITAAC Closure under 10 CFR part 52," and the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) guidance document NEI 08-01, Revision 3, "Industry Guideline for the ITAAC Closure Process Under 10 CFR part 52." ITAAC stands for Inspections, Test, Analyses and Acceptance Criteria.

Contact: Girija Shukla at 301-415-6855

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14115.htm

"Energy and Oil Reform in the Americas":

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars

Panel Discussion

July 7, 2 p.m., 6th floor, Flom Auditorium, Woodrow Wilson Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.

Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars holds a discussion on "Energy and Oil Reform in the Americas."

Contact: Maria-Stella Gatzoulis at 202-691-4188 maria-stella.gatzoulis@wilsoncenter.org

Note: RSVP to Nikki.Nichols@wilsoncenter.org.

For further information: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event_summary&event_id=540603

Fiscal 2010 Appropriations: Energy and Water:

House Appropriations Committee

Full Committee Markup

July 7, 7 p.m., 2359 Rayburn Bldg.

House Appropriations Committee (Chairman Obey, D-Wis.) will mark up draft fiscal 2010 appropriations for energy and water programs.

Contact: Beverly Pheto - Democratic Clerk and Staff Director at 202-225-2771

Note: Subcommittee markup was held June 25.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

House: The House will convene at 10 a.m. for legislative business and is expected to consider a bill (HR 2965) that would reauthorize and expand programs to encourage innovation among small businesses and also could take up the fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill (HR 2701).

HR 2965 - Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009

HR 2701 - Fiscal 2010 Intelligence Authorization

Advisory Panel on Reactor Safeguards:

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 8, 8:30 a.m., NRC, Two White Flint North, Rockville, Md., Conference Room T-2B3; July 9, 8:30 a.m.; July 10, 8:30 a.m.

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) holds a three-day, partially closed meeting.

Contact: Girija Shukla at 301-415-6855

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14235.htm

Energy-Efficient Housing:

Rep. Earl Perlmutter

Panel Discussion

July 8, 8:30 a.m., Members Room, Jefferson Bldg., 10 First St. S.E.

Rep. Earl Perlmutter, D-Colo., Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Conn., other Democrats and interest groups hold a discussion on legislation (S1379, HR 2336) that aims to create "incentives to make green and energy efficient improvements accessible to homeowners, consumers and businesses alike - offering an unprecedented opportunity to improve the quality, health and affordability of our nation's housing stock, while reducing its significant environmental footprint."

Contact: Deb Greenspan at 202-741-5573 dgreenspan@gloverparkgroup.com

Note: RSVP to Seth Johnson sjohnson@usgbc.org.

Chesapeake Bay and Thunder Bay:

House Natural Resources - Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife

Subcommittee Hearing

July 8, 9 a.m., 1324 Longworth Bldg.

Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife Subcommittee (Chairman Bordallo, D-Guam) of House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on pending legislation.

Contact: Jean Flemma - Democratic Staff Director at 202-226-0200

HR 1771 - Chesapeake Bay Science, Education and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2009

HR 1053 - Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2009

HR 905 - Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification

Fiscal 2010 Appropriations: Energy and Water Development:

Senate Appropriations - Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development

Subcommittee Markup

July 8, 10 a.m., 124 Dirksen Bldg.

Energy and Water Development Subcommittee (Chairman Dorgan, D-N.D.) of Senate Appropriations Committee will mark up draft fiscal 2010 appropriations for programs under its jurisdiction.

Contact: Doug Clapp - Democratic Clerk at 202-224-8119

International Trade, Climate Change:

Senate Finance Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 8, 10 a.m., 215 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Finance Committee (Chairman Baucus, D-Mont.) will hold a hearing titled "Climate Change Legislation: International Trade Considerations."

Contact: Russell W. Sullivan - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4515

Land, Rivers and Trails:

House Natural Resources - Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands

Subcommittee Hearing

July 8, 10 a.m., 1334 Longworth Bldg.

National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee (Chairman Grijalva, D-Ariz.) of House Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing on pending legislation.

Contact: David Watkins - Democratic Staff Director at 202-226-7736

HR 481 - North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act of 2009

HR 685 - United States Civil Rights Trail System Act of 2009

HR 1593 - A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate a segment of Illabot Creek in Skagit County, Wash., as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

HR 2167 - A bill to authorize the secretary of the Interior to conduct a study to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating certain lands as the Los Caminos del Rio National Heritage Corridor, and for other purposes.

HR 2806 - A bill to authorize the secretary of the Interior to adjust the boundary of the Stephen Mather Wilderness and the North Cascades National Park in order to allow the rebuilding of a road outside of the floodplain while ensuring that there is no net loss of acreage to the park or the wilderness, and for other purposes.

Regulation of Bottled Water:

House Energy and Commerce - Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

Subcommittee Hearing

July 8, 10 a.m., 2322 Rayburn Bldg.

Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee (Chairman Stupak, D-Mich.) of House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing titled "Regulation of Bottled Water."

Contact: Theo Chuang - Chief Oversight Counsel at 202-225-2927

National Environmental Education Advisory Council:

National Environmental Education Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 8, Noon, RSVP to contact for dial-in information.

National Environmental Education Advisory Council of the Office of Children's Health Protection and Environmental Education Office, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), holds public meetings by conference call on the second Wednesday of each month for the purpose of providing the council with the opportunity to advise the Environmental Education Division on its implementation of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1990.

Contact: Ginger Potter at 202-564-0453 potter.ginger@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-1700.htm

EPA's Integrated Nitrogen Panel:

Science Advisory Board - EPA

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 8, Noon, RSVP to contact for dial-in information.; July 9, Noon

Science Advisory Board Integrated Nitrogen Committee of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds two teleconferences to discuss the committee's draft report addressing the environmental problems presented by reactive nitrogen and providing recommendations related to an integrated nitrogen management strategy.

Contact: Angela Nugent at 202-343-9981 nugent.angela@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14858.htm

Transportation, Technology, Environmental Bills:

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Full Committee Markup

July 8, 2 p.m., 253 Russell Bldg.

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (Chairman Rockefeller, D-W.Va.) will mark up pending legislation.

Contact: Ellen Doneski - Democratic Chief of Staff at 202-224-0411

S 588 - Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009

S 649 - Radio Spectrum Inventory Act

S 668 - Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009

S 1194 - Coast Guard Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011

S 1308 - Maritime Administration Authorization Act of 2010

NASA, Transportation Department Nominees:

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee

Full Committee Confirmation Hearing

July 8, 2:10 p.m., 253 Russell Bldg.

Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (Chairman Rockefeller, D-W.Va.) will hold a confirmation hearing on pending nominations.

Contact: Ellen Doneski - Democratic Chief of Staff at 202-224-0411

Industrial Competition Under Climate Policies:

Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Full Committee Hearing

July 8, 2:30 p.m., 419 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Chairman Kerry, D-Mass.) will hold a hearing titled "Industrial Competitiveness Under Climate Policies: Lessons From Europe."

Contact: David McKean - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4651

Combating Bioterrorism, Bioweapons:

New America Foundation

Panel Discussion

July 8, 3:30 p.m., New America Foundation, 1899 L Street NW, Suite 400

New America Foundation holds a discussion on "Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention."

Contact: Kate Brown at 202-596-3365 brown@newamerica.net

Note: RSVP online.

For further information: http://www.newamerica.net/events/2009/strengthening_biological_weapon_convention

Thursday, July 9, 2009

House: The House will convene at 10 a.m. for legislative business and is expected to consider a fiscal 2010 spending bill for the State Department and foreign operations (HR 3081). It could take up the fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill (HR 2701).

HR 2701 - Fiscal 2010 Intelligence Authorization

HR 3081 - Fiscal 2010 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations

Planetary Science Subcommittee of NASA Advisory Council:

NASA Advisory Council

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 9, 8 a.m., 9H40 NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW; July 10, 8 a.m.

NASA announces a two-day meeting of the Planetary Science Subcommittee of the NASA Advisory Council that includes a Planetary Science Division update; Analysis Group and Management Operations Working Group reports; a report on a Nuclear Regulatory Commission study of plutonium availability; and a report on planetary science decadal study.

Contact: Marian Norris at 202-358-4452 mnorris@nasa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13831.htm

Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Panel:

Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 9, 8:30 a.m., Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, Md.; July 10, 8:30 a.m.

Basic Energy Sciences Advisory Committee of the Department of Energy holds a two-day meeting that includes a report from the New Era Subcommittee's Photon Workshop; an Energy Frontier Research Center update; and an Office of Science Committee of Visitors report for the Materials Science and Engineering Division.

Contact: Katie Perine at 301-903-6529

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-15779.htm

Oversight of EPA's Clean Air Rules:

Senate Environment and Public Works - Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety

Subcommittee Hearing

July 9, 10 a.m., 406 Dirksen Bldg.

Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee (Chairman Carper, D-Del.) of Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing titled "Oversight: Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Regulations - One Year After the CAIR [Clean Air Interstate Rule] and CAMR [Clean Air Mercury Rule] Federal Court Decisions."

Contact: Bettina Poirier - Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel at 202-224-8832

Water and Energy:

House Science and Technology - Subcommittee on Energy and Environment

Subcommittee Hearing

July 9, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn Bldg.

Energy and Environment Subcommittee (Chairman Baird, D-Wash.) of House Science and Technology Committee will hold a hearing about linking water and energy.

Contact: Jean Fruci - Democratic Staff Director at 202-225-6375

Newborn Bloodspot Screening:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Teleconference

July 9, 12:30 p.m., 888-793-2154, Participant Pass Code: 4424802,

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Initial Review Group (NCIPC IRG) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention holds a teleconference to review, discuss and evaluate applications related to the "Program to Enhance State Public Health Laboratory Capacity for Newborn Bloodspot Screening (U01).'"

Contact: Jane Suen at 770-488-4281

Note: Call will close to the public after the first 15 minutes.

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12324.htm

Interior, Energy Nominations:

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee

Full Committee Confirmation Hearing

July 9, 2 p.m., 366 Dirksen Bldg.

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Chairman Bingaman, D-N.M.) will hold a confirmation hearing on pending nominations.

Contact: Robert M. Simon - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-4971

Friday, July 10, 2009

House: The House will convene at 9 a.m. for legislative business and could consider a bill (HR 3082) that would authorize advance appropriations for certain medical accounts in the Veterans Affairs Department.

HR 3082 - Fiscal 2010 Military Construction-VA Appropriations

Fiscal 2010 Appropriations: Labor-HHS-Education:

House Appropriations - Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

Subcommittee Markup

July 10, 9 a.m., 2358-C Rayburn Bldg.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee (Chairman Obey, D-Wis.) of House Appropriations Committee will mark up draft fiscal 2010 appropriations for programs under its jurisdiction.

Contact: Cheryl Smith - Democratic Clerk at 202-225-3508

Note: Full committee markup tentatively scheduled for July 14.

National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020:

Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020

Advisory Committee Meeting

July 10, 2 p.m., www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/advisory/default.asp

Advisory Committee on National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives for 2020 of the Department of Health and Human Services holds a meeting online, via WebEx software.

Contact: Emmeline Ochiai at 240-453-8259

Note: Pre-registration is required. For more information: Hilary Scherer at HP2020@norc.org, 301-634-9374 or by fax, 301-634-9301

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13635.htm

NIH Supporters Issue Concern Over Funding

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:51:00 PDT

Concern is rising among the bio-science community regarding the future state of the NIH budget. The notion that the NIH was "taken care of" in the ARRA is being deeply criticized within the community. With the FY 2010 appropriation bills being marked up in July, anxiety over the outcome is growing at a rapid rate. Will Congress pass the President's 1.4% proposed budget increase for NIH funding in FY 2010?

NIH supporters are in agreement that the administration has identified itself as representative of science, and remain hopeful that NIH funding will increase in FY 2010. Concerned that funding levels may return to their FY 2009 status, however still worries many people within the community. Not only has the NIH funding in the FY 2010 budget come to the forefront of many discussions among NIH supporters, but the importance of NIH funding in the FY 2011 budget has also arisen in numerous conversations. The community continues to stress the magnitude of NIH funding and human health issues as the appropriation markups begin.

ACS strongly supports the NIH and the critical role that they play in advancing scientific knowledge and medical discoveries to improve human health. The ACS statement on National Institutes of Health: FY 2009 can be found here.

EPA Grants California a Waiver

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:29:56 PDT

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is granting California's waiver request. This will allow California to enforce it greenhouse gas emissions standards for new automobiles. This enforcement begins with the current model year.

Additional information can be found here.

Grant System Impedes Cancer Research

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:33:00 PDT

According to an article in The New York Times, the National Cancer Institute has spent $105 billion dollars since 1971, and the American Cancer Society, which is the largest private financer of cancer research, has spent $3.4 billion on research grants since 1946. Thus the question arises, why is the fight against cancer advancing so slowly? The death rate has seen only small changes in the past 40 years since the fight began. Scientists and top federal cancer officials suggest that the grant system is a major obstacle. Research laboratories focus each year on small projects that contribute little to curing cancer. The institute lacks money to finance many proposals; therefore, it avoids projects that might not succeed even if they could make a major difference in cancer prevention. These life-changing projects are often denied federal grants. Dr. Raynard S. Kington, the acting director of the National Institutes of Health, which includes the National Cancer Institute, said "we also recognize that the system probably provides disincentives to funding really transformative research."

Dr. Otis W. Brawley, the chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society, said that the entire cancer research effort is too cautious. He said, "The problem in science is that the way you get ahead is by staying within narrow parameters and doing what other people are doing. No one wants to fund ideas." The problem has worsened in recent years, because there are even more scientists seeking grants. The review committees have in turn become more wary about doling out money for imaginative proposals. Review committees like to see preliminary data that the idea is likely to work, but many scientists need the grant money to get preliminary results. Dr. Young, a chancellor at Fox Chase Cancer Center, comments on bold ideas, "you can't prove it will work in advance...If you could, it wouldn't be a high-risk idea." People are forced to give up on bold ideas, or downsize their labs.

Dr. Demetri, who leads a research group at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, bypassed government money altogether in funding a project that grows human cancers in mice. Dr. Demetri tapped the Ludwig Fund, which supports unfettered cancer research at six medical centers throughout the United States. Dr. Demetri tapped an unpopular source available to a number of researchers.

According to Dr. Kington, the National Institutes of Health has begun a series of "pilot experiments" to determine a better way of financing innovative projects. The National Institutes of Health now awards transformative R01 grants, challenge grants, and pioneer awards to researchers invested in high-risk projects. Currently only 3 to 5 percent of the applicants get funded. Some scientists have found a way to counter the system by doing risky experiments on the side and siphoning money from their grants. Dr. Klausner, the former direction of the National Cancer Institute, believes that great advances have been made with NIH funding. He says, "I actually believe that by and large it is despite, rather than because of the review system."

The New York Times article "Grant System Leads Cancer Researchers to Play it Safe" by Gina Kolata can be read in full here.

Congressional Schedule, June 29 - July 3

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:18:00 PDT

The following schedule takes place for the week of June 29^th - July 3^rd. The 111^th Congress is in recess this week and will reconvene next month. The Senate reconvenes at 2 p.m. Monday, July 6. The House reconvenes at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 7.

Monday, June 29, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: Not in session.

Philadelphia VA Medical Center Cancer Program:

Full Committee Field Hearing

June 29, 10 a.m., Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Third floor multipurpose room, 3900 Woodland Ave., Philadelphia, Pa.

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee (Chairman Akaka, D-Hawaii) will hold a field hearing on the terminated Cancer Treatment Program at the Philadelphia, Pa., VA Medical Center.

Contact: Bill Brew - Democratic Staff Director at 202-224-9126

Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations:

Actuarial Mathematics and Methodology

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 29, 1 p.m., Internal Revenue Service Building, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW; June 30, 8:30 a.m.

Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries holds a two-day, partially closed meeting to discuss topics and questions that may be recommended for inclusion on future Joint Board examinations in actuarial mathematics and methodology, and to review the May 2009 Basic (EA-1) and Pension (EA-2B) Joint Board Examinations in order to make recommendations, including the minimum acceptable pass score.

Contact: Patrick W. McDonough at 202-622-8225

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13517.htm

Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering:

NSF Panel on Equal Opportunities in Science, Engineering

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 29, 8:30 a.m., 1235 National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington Va.; June 30, 8:30 a.m.

Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering (CEOSE) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) holds a two-day meeting that includes plans for the CEOSE Mini-Symposium on Women of Color in Science and Engineering; key points from the "Understanding Interventions That Broaden Participation in Research Careers Conference"; "Race, Gender, Ethnicity and Disability in China" - a CEOSE member's perspective; broadening participation at the NSF and the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (PL 111-5) and America Competes Act (PL 110-69); reports by CEOSE liaisons to various NSF advisory committees.

Contact: Margaret E.M. Tolbert at 703-292-4216 mtolbert@nsf.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13842.htm

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: Not in session.

NSF Panel on Equal Opportunities in Science, Engineering:

Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 29, 8:30 a.m., 1235 National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington Va.; June 30, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Margaret E.M. Tolbert at 703-292-4216 mtolbert@nsf.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13842.htm

Actuarial Mathematics and Methodology:

Advisory Committee on Actuarial Examinations

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 29, 1 p.m., Internal Revenue Service Building, 1111 Constitution Ave. NW; June 30, 8:30 a.m.

Contact: Patrick W. McDonough at 202-622-8225

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13517.htm

Definition of Solid Waste:

Environmental Protection Agency

Business Meeting

June 30, 9 a.m., EPA - One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington Va.

Environmental Protection Agency holds a public meeting regarding the agency's recent regulation on the definition of solid waste under Subtitle C of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

Contact: Amanda Geldard at 703-347-8975 geldard.amanda@epa.gov

Note: RSVP online at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/dsw/publicmeeting.htm.

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12283.htm

EPA's Environment Report:

Science Advisory Board - EPA

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 30, 9 a.m., SAB Conference Center, 1025 F St. NW, Room 3705; July 1, 8:30 a.m.

Science Advisory Board (SAB) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds a two-day meeting on the EPA's Report on the Environment and conduct a consultation on proposed approaches to developing future versions.

Contact: Thomas Armitage at 202-343-9995 armitage.thomas@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13477.htm

Promoting Environmental Stewardship:

Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 30, 9 a.m., Conference Center, 1st floor, EPA - One Potomac Yard (South Building), 2777 S. Crystal Drive, Arlington Va.; July 1, 9 a.m.

Subcommittee on Promoting Environmental Stewardship of the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), holds a two-day meeting.

Contact: Regina Langton at 202-566-2178 langton.regina@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-12794.htm

Energy Efficiency Through Building Codes:

Alliance to Save Energy

News Conference/Briefing

June 30, 9 a.m., Murrow Room, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

Alliance to Save Energy, Natural Resources Defense Council and others hold a news conference to discuss "the multiple benefits of strong, consistent building codes for all new buildings," with a focus on energy efficiency.

Contact: Ronnie Kweller at 202-530-2203 RKweller@ase.org

Energy Regulator Media Briefing:

Energy Daily

News Conference/Briefing

June 30, 9 a.m., Lisagor Room, National Press Club, 529 14th St. N.W.

Energy Daily and Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal hold a media briefing featuring Jon Wellinghoff, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulator Commission.

Contact: Erica Lengermann at 301-354-1598 elengermann@accessintel.com

Note: E-mail RSVP to contact.

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Initial Review Group:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Initial Review Group

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 30, 12:15 p.m., Dial-in: 888-793-2154; access code: 4424802

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control Initial Review Group of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention holds a partially closed meeting via teleconference that includes the review, discussion and evaluation of individual research cooperative agreement applications submitted in response to fiscal 2009 requests for applications related to the research announcement RFA-CD-09-001: "Translating Research to Protect Health Through Health Promotion, Prevention and Preparedness (R18)" for the National Center for Environmental Health applications.

Contact: Jane Suen at 770-488-4281

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13280.htm

NRC Public Briefings:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

News Conference/Briefing

June 30, 1 p.m., Commissioners' Conference Room Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville Md.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) holds public briefings that will be Webcast live.

Contact: Rochelle Bavol at 301-415-1651

Note: Webcast is available at http://www.nrc.gov.

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-14803.htm

EPA's Draft Methodologies for Performing Assessments of Residual Risk:

Science Advisory Board - EPA

Advisory Committee Meeting

June 30, 1 p.m., RSVP to contact for dial-in information.

Science Advisory Board (SAB_ of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a public teleconference of the SAB Risk and Technology Review Assessment Methodologies Panel to review the EPA's draft methodologies for performing assessments of residual risk featuring case studies from the Petroleum Refineries and Portland Cement Manufacturing source categories.

Contact: Sue Shallal at 202-343-9977 shallal.suhair@epa.gov

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13597.htm

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: Not in session.

U.S.-Chile Environment Affairs Council, Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation:

U.S.-Chile Environment Affairs Council and Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Public Affairs Program

July 1, 3 p.m., 1107 Main State, 2201 C St. N.W.

Department of State and the Office of the United States Trade Representative announce a meeting of the U.S.-Chile Environment Affairs Council and Joint Commission for Environmental Cooperation. A public information session will include an overview of Chapter 19 and review of its implementation; a progress report on projects outlined in the free trade agreement's Environment Chapter; a discussion of the roles and activities of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee and the public advisory committee that advises the Chilean government on trade and environment policy issues; an overview of progress of implementing selected projects under the 2007-2008 work program pursuant to the U.S.-Chile environmental cooperation agreement; and the presentation of a new ECA work program.

Contact: Robert Wing at 202-647-9266 wingRD@state.gov

Note: RSVP to contact.

For further information: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-13619.htm

Thursday, July 2, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: Not in session.

Friday, June 26, 2009

House: Not in session.

Senate: Not in session.

House Passes Energy Bill

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:18:46 PDT

Last Friday the House narrowly passed a comprehensive energy bill that focused on clean energy and green jobs. Include in the bill is a provision to expand the ACS supported ARPA-E program. ARPA-E was developed to preform the same function as the Defense Department's DARPA program, except it focuses on energy research.)

Below is a couple of the press release sent by House Science and Technology Committee chair, Bart Gordon (D-TN) soo after the bill's passage.

(Washington, DC)-Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. The final legislation included provisions approved by the House Committee on Science and Technology

"The path towards lowering our carbon emissions, meeting our needs for energy, and growing new sectors of the economy-and the jobs they provide-is through research and development of new energy technologies," said Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN). "This bill contains provisions to increase our investments in high-risk, high-reward energy technology development. It will establish the National Climate Service to ensure that all decision-makers have access to the information they need."

The bill included legislative language approved by the Committee as HR 2407, the National Climate Service Act of 2009.

Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has an extensive network of regional and local offices delivering weather and climate information. NOAA also works in partnership with state climate offices, private sector weather providers, universities and other organizations with experience in developing and delivering information on weather and climate.

The bill will create a Climate Service Office at NOAA to coordinate information, fill in any gaps in information, and serve as a single point of dissemination.

"The National Climate Service will ensure that everyone-state and local policy makers, private industry, farmers-has access to the most comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information so they can make the best decisions," said Gordon. "Just as the National Weather Service gives information for the coming day or week, the National Climate Service will provide information about longer-term trends."

The bill also directs funding towards the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy, or ARPA-E, a newly-established agency at the Department of Energy (DOE) that will pursue high-risk, high-reward energy technology development. The bill will direct 1.05% of the allowances to fund ARPA-E; the amount is estimated by Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to be approximately $650 million by 2012 and will increase beyond there.

"To create the jobs of the future in the U.S., we need to ensure the U.S. leads in developing the transformational technologies that will make it possible for us to meet our growing need for energy without the corresponding increase in greenhouse gas emissions," said Gordon. "ARPA-E will bring together the best and the brightest from the private sector, academia, and the national labs. Their first Funding Opportunity Award yielded thousands of applicants, which tells me there is a hunger for this sort of high-risk, high reward research."

For more information, including about the Committee's work on National Climate Service or ARPA-E, please see our website.

Presidential Green Chemistry Awards

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:12:07 PDT

I had the great opportunity to attend the 2009 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge award ceremony this past Monday.

It's always so inspriring to hear how technological advances, envisioned in the lab & developed -- often over years of dedication and hard work -- can so impact the health of our planet.

The ACS Green Chemistry Institute facilitates the EPA's award program, working to select judges, among its many other contributions.

A list of the 2009 award winners is available on the EPA Web site, and the American Chemistry Council issued a press release recently highlighting two of its member companies that were award winners: Eastman Chemical Company and Procter & Gamble.