^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ AWG E-MAIL NEWS 2002-29 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ CONTENTS 1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW: OCTOBER 2002 2) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: 11-15-02 3) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM ACTION ALERT: 11-18-02 4) THE AWIS WASHINGTON WIRE: OCTOBER 31, 2002 5) 2003 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (PAESMEM) 6) AWG BOOTH AT AGU, FALL 2002, IN SAN FRANCISCO 7) GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM THE PETROLEUM RESEARCH FUND 8) POSITION OPENINGS · Indiana University - Assistant Professor Hydrogeology · Fellowships for Postdoctoral Scholars at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution · Purdue University - Faculty Position in Atmosphere-Surface Interactions · Tufts University - Assistant Professor in Hydrogeology Structural Geology · University of Florida - Organic/bio-geochemistry · University of South Florida - Assistant Professor in Environmental Karst studies · Virginia Polytechnic Institute Geobiology · Carleton College - Geoscience Education Sabbatical and Postdoctoral Opportunities · California State University at Monterey Bay - James W. Rote Distinguished Professorship in Earth Systems Science & Policy 9) CONTACT INFORMATION ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Thanks to everyone who contributed to this issue of E-mail News ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 1) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MONTHLY REVIEW: OCTOBER 2002 * Appropriations on Hold Until After Elections * Possible Lame Duck Topics: Energy and Homeland Security * Hazards Legislation Enacted, Academy Roundtable Held * Special Update: House Appropriators Provide Big Boost to NSF * NSF Doubling Bill Held Up in Senate * Administration Plans Climate Change Workshop * Bonding Issue Revived for Mining on Public Lands * DOE Misses Yucca Deadline, Makes Final EIS Available * Hearings Mark Clean Water Act 30th Anniversary * Remaining Eisenhower Programs Nearing End * NSF Geoscience Advisory Committee Seeks Input * Special Update: President Bush's Earth Science Week 2002 Message * Federal Register Roundup * New Material on Web Site *** Appropriations on Hold Until After Elections *** Before leaving to campaign for the mid-term elections, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (H.J. Res. 123) that funds the federal government at fiscal year (FY) 2002 levels until November 22nd. Only two of the 13 appropriations bills -- both military -- have been signed into law, and Congress is expected to return next week for a post-election ("lame duck") session to complete action on the remaining eleven bills. The productivity of such a session, however, depends largely on the outcomes of tomorrow's elections. A shift in power -- either Republicans taking control of the Senate or Democrats taking control of the House -- would likely mean delay until the 108th Congress takes office in January. And with razor-sharp edges held in both houses, such a shift may not be clear until later in the month in the event of a disputed election (ghosts of 2000). More on appropriations at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/appropsfy2003.html. *** Possible Lame Duck Topics: Energy and Homeland Security *** Two other major pieces of legislation that could be addressed during a lame duck session in November are the comprehensive energy bill, H.R. 4, and bills to establish a Department of Homeland Security (H.R. 5005; S. 2452). The House-Senate conference committee handling the energy bill negotiations has reached agreement on hundreds of pages of bill text but remains deadlocked over electricity deregulation (in particular, renewable portfolio standards), climate provisions, liability associated with ethanol requirements, drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the magnitude of tax incentives. Whether these major provisions are included or dropped remains to be seen, and their fate will determine the scope and likely impact of the final bill. Background at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/energy.html. The proposed Department of Homeland Security would swallow all or part of 22 federal agencies, would employ 170,000 people, and would have an annual budget in the range of $35 to $42 billion. It's Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate would be cored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and a Science and Technology Directorate would serve to identify R&D needs, coordinate research and advise the Secretary. Because no other geoscience-related agencies besides FEMA are included in the new department, the extent to which their homeland security activities will be recognized may depend on the effectiveness of the department's external scientific coordination. This topic is covered in the Political Scene column appearing in the November 2002 issue of Geotimes at http://www.geotimes.org/nov02/scene.html. *** Hazards Legislation Enacted, Academy Roundtable Held *** Two pieces of hazard-related legislation were enacted into law this month. On October 1st, President Bush signed the National Construction Safety Team Act of 2002 (H.R. 4687), a bill developed by the House Science Committee in response to problems encountered during structural investigations into the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. The bill gives the National Institute of Standards and Technology authority to conduct investigations into building disasters, for both human-induced and natural events, similar to the authority of the National Transportation Safety Board. If successful, this approach could become a blueprint for learning from natural disasters. On October 29th, President Bush signed the Inland Flood Forecast and Warning System Act (H.R. 2486), which provides funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop additional capability for inland flooding prediction and for the development of a flood warning index. According to bill sponsor Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-NC): "While we can't control the weather, we can give our communities an inland flood forecasting and warning system that they can count on." Warnings were a central topic of a forum on risk communication held by the National Academies' Natural Disasters Roundtable on Halloween. Attendees heard from journalists, local emergency managers and hazard researchers on how to improve communication to the public on the risks associated with natural hazards. For more on the forum, see http://nationalacademies.org/naturaldisasters. *** Special Update: House Appropriators Provide Big Boost to NSF *** An AGI special update on October 8th reported that after months of delay, the House subcommittee that oversees spending for the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA, EPA, and FEMA has drafted its version of a funding bill for FY 2003. H.R. 5605 (H. Rpt. 107-740) would provide NSF with $5.42 billion, nearly a 13% increase over FY 2002. The EarthScope project (http://www.earthscope.org) would receive $40 million, twice the amount allocated by the Senate (S. 2797; S. Rpt. 107-222) and $5 million above the President's request. Research accounts at NSF would receive $4.1 billion (up over 15%) within which the Geosciences Directorate would receive $701 million (up 15%). A committee press release provided overall numbers for the other agencies mentioned above, which are included in the update at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/vahud_update1002.html. *** NSF Doubling Bill Held Up in the Senate *** Even as NSF's appropriations bill was making headway in the House, an authorization bill that would place the agency on a path to double its budget in the next five years has hit a stumbling block on the Senate floor. Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) placed a hold -- or threat to filibuster -- on the Senate version (S. 2817) when it came up for floor debate shortly before the chamber recessed for the November elections. According to reports, Kyl acted at the request of the White House Office of Management and Budget, which objected to the doubling language. Meanwhile, House and Senate staffers have met to reconcile differences between the House bill (H.R. 4664), which passed that chamber with an overwhelming majority, and S. 2817. This action paves the way for Congress to speedily pass the authorization bill once the hold is lifted. More on the House bill at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/science_edu.html *** Administration Plans Climate Change Workshop *** The U.S. Climate Change Science Program, which includes the interagency U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and the Commerce Department's Climate Change Research Initiative (CCRI), has invited scientists and other stakeholders to a meeting December 3-5, 2002, to discuss a draft version of its strategic plan for climate change and global change studies. The strategic planning exercise is in response to President Bush's request that the global change science programs "be objective, sensitive to uncertainties, and well documented for public debate." A discussion draft of the strategic plan will be available online by November 11th for scientific and public review. More at http://www.climatescience.gov/ and, for an AGU alert, http://www.agu.org/cgi-bin/asla/asla-list?read=2002-22.msg. *** Bonding Issue Revived for Mining on Public Lands *** The revised regulations for hardrock mining on federal lands -- the so-called 3809 regulations -- have been a contentious subject since the revision process began nearly a decade ago. A key issue is "bonding," the requirement that mining companies submit up-front proof of financial guarantee for reclamation of a mining site. Despite a delay in implementation and review by the incoming administration in 2001, the bonding requirements have remained the same. But there is a chance that they will be reviewed again by the Department of the Interior. On October 11th, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton regarding a department task force that is looking at this issue. The letter notes the representatives' opposition to any efforts to weaken the bonding regulations. Some mining companies have claimed that the current insurance environment is such that it is difficult to obtain surety bonds. According to the Department of the Interior, the task force is simply gathering information at this point, but it is expected to release a report in November to Secretary Norton. More at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/mining.html. *** DOE Misses Yucca Deadline, Makes Final EIS Available *** The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that will miss the deadline for submitting a license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, DOE had 90 calendar days after a repository site is accepted to submit a license application -- the Yucca Mountain site was officially accepted by President Bush on July 23, 2002 after both the House and Senate overrode the objections of Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn (R). At the time, DOE indicated that it would not submit an application before 2002 and argued that the Nuclear Waste Policy Act does not provide any penalties for the missed application deadline. Nevertheless, the Nevada congressional delegation has asked DOE to explain why the decision was made to move forward with the site despite knowing that the agency would miss the deadline. A legal challenge by the state is also likely to occur. More at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/yucca.html. In the October 25th Federal Register, DOE announced the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the repository at http://www.ymp.doe.gov (full citation below). *** Hearings Mark Clean Water Act 30th Anniversary *** The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee marked the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA) with a hearing on October 8th to consider past accomplishments and future challenges. Witnesses generally agreed that since President Nixon signed CWA into law in 1972, it has provided an important regulatory framework for reducing pollution in the nation's waterways. Environmental groups have cautioned, however, that progress is incomplete with 45% of the nation's waterways still considered unfit for swimming or fishing, down from 70% in 1972. Several witnesses suggested that enforcement of the act should shift away from the point-source pollution that was its initial focus (the lasting image of Cleveland's Cuyahoga River catching fire) and more toward addressing non-point source pollution from sources such as agriculture using Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) standards. More at http://epw.senate.gov/. The CWA was also the subject of a much more narrowly focused hearing on the House side that looked at potential obstacles to suppression of mosquitoes bearing West Nile Virus. The October 10th hearing was held by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. More at http://www.house.gov/transportation/water/. This December, the Supreme Court will consider a case involving the CWA. Referred to as Borden Ranch Partnership v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and EPA, the case involves interpretation of agricultural land-use practices, specifically whether such practices constitute pollutant discharge under the Clean Water Act and whether the ranch's action qualified for exemption under a provision of the CWA. *** Remaining Eisenhower Programs Nearing End *** A bill that would terminate the remaining Department of Education Eisenhower professional development programs, which are targeted at elementary and secondary math and science educators, awaits presidential approval. On October 15th, the Senate passed an amended H.R. 3801, the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002, that aims to improve education research, statistics, evaluation, information, and dissemination. Of key concern is the future of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse and the Eisenhower Regional Consortia. The main Eisenhower grant program already was eliminated in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The final version of the bill would provide a short-term reprieve for the regional consortia, which would end once the comprehensive centers authorized by the act are established. There is no specific language regarding the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse. More at http://www.agiweb.org/gap/legis107/science_edu.html. *** NSF Geoscience Advisory Committee Seeks Input *** The National Science Foundation's (NSF) Geoscience Advisory Committee is seeking comments from the geoscience community on the committee's agenda items or any other issues of concern. Its next meeting is scheduled for November 6-8, 2002, at the NSF headquarters in Arlington, VA. The committee directly advises the NSF Geoscience Directorate and addresses how the directorate can better serve the scientific community, promote geoscience education and increase diversity in the workforce, as well as prioritize funding areas in geoscience research. More at http://www.geo.nsf.gov/geo/about/advisory.htm. *** Special Update: President Bush's Earth Science Week 2002 Message *** Another AGI special update went out on October 18th bearing a presidential message that was released by the White House in recognition of Earth Science Week 2002. The message joined proclamations issued by numerous state governors and city mayors. As part of the message, President Bush wrote: "Dedicated and highly skilled geologists, geophysicists, and other earth and environmental scientists are working to protect and preserve our natural resources and environment. Their efforts are also keeping us safe from natural disasters and promoting our appreciation for the beauty and grandeur of nature…. During Earth Science Week, I encourage all Americans to recognize the vital role of the earth sciences in our lives, and to renew our commitment to good stewardship of our land." Now in its sixth year, Earth Science Week was initiated by AGI as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. For more on Earth Science Week, which ran from October 13th to 19th and featured locally organized events all across the country and around the world, see http://www.earthsciweek.org. *** List of Key Federal Register Notices *** A recent feature of the AGI Monthly Review 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/frcont02.html. Commission on Ocean Policy. Meeting announcement for the National Commission on Ocean Policy in Washington, DC, on November 22, 2002. Vol. 67, No. 211 (31 October 2002): p. 66429. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Fossil Energy. Meeting announcement for the Methane Hydrate Advisory Committee in Washington, DC, on November 13-14, 2002. Vol. 67, No. 195 (8 October 2002): p. 62703. DOE, Office of Fossil Energy. Meeting announcement for the Coal Policy Committee of the National Coal Council in Chicago, IL, on November 12-13, 2002. Vol. 67, No. 195 (8 October 2002): p. 62703-62704. DOE, Basic Energy Science. Meeting announcement for the Basic Energy Science Advisory Board in Gaithersburg, MD, on November 5-6, 2002. Vol. 67, No. 205 (23 October 2002): p. 65098. DOE, Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. Notice of the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a geologic, high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada, at http://www.ymp.doe.gov. Vol. 67, No. 207 (25 October 2002): p. 65539 - 65542. Environmental Protection Agency. Announcement of final rule revising wastewater and drinking water regulations to include updated versions of test procedures for the determination of chemical, radiological, and microbiological pollutants and contaminants in wastewater and drinking water. Vol. 67, No. 205 (23 October 2002): p. 65219-65253. Minerals Management Service. Notice of availability of environmental documents related to outer continental shelf mineral leases in the Gulf of Mexico. Vol. 67, No. 191 (2 October 2002): p. 61920-61922. U.S. Geological Survey. Notice of availability of information quality guidelines to comply with those outlined by the Office of Management and Budget -- information available online at http://www.usgs.gov/info_qual/. Vol. 67, No. 193 (4 October 2002): p. 62259. *** New Material on Web Site *** The following updates and reports were added to the Government Affairs portion of AGI's web site http://www.agiweb.org/gap since the last monthly update: * Geotimes Political Scene: Homeland Security, Broadly Defined (11/02) * Asbestos Policy (10-30-02) * Overview of Science Education (10-23-02) * High-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal (10-22-02) * Mining Law and Regulatory Reform (10-21-02) * Special Update: President Bush's 2002 Earth Science Week Message (10-18-02) * Overview of Fiscal Year 2003 Geoscience Appropriations (10-17-02) * VA/HUD & Independent Agencies Appropriations Bill (10-16-02) * Update on Museums, Fossils and Public Lands (10-9-02) * Special Update: House Appropriators Provide Big Boost to NSF (10-8-02) * Summary of Briefings on Climate Change (10-4-02) * Women and Minorities in Science (10-4-02) * Energy Policy Overview (10-5-02) Monthly review prepared by Margaret A. Baker, David Applegate and AAPG/AGI Geoscience Policy Intern Annette Veilleux. Sources: American Geophysical Union, American Institutes of Physics, Coalition for National Science Funding, Department of Energy, E&E Daily, Greenwire, House Science Committee, Library of Congress, and National Science Foundation. 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 2) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM SPECIAL UPDATE: 11-15-02 *** Lame Duck Punts, Next Congress To Address Spending Bills *** IN A NUTSHELL: Although the 107th Congress held a brief post-election session this week, action on the remaining FY 2003 appropriations bills and energy legislation will wait for the new year and the Republican-controlled 108th Congress. The House has already adjourned after passing legislation to create a new Department of Homeland Security as well as a long-term continuing resolution that funds non-defense federal agencies at last year's levels through January 11, 2003. The Senate is expected to follow suit. Among a number of small bills that did pass is a reauthorization of the Sea Grant program within NOAA. Looking ahead to the 108th Congress, this special update also includes a brief rundown of new Republican committee chairs. ********************** If you blinked this week, you might have missed the post-election (often referred to as a "lame duck") session of the 107th Congress. The House has already recessed, and the Senate will be leaving soon. Before the election, both chambers agreed to return to Capitol Hill this week to finish up some of the business still left on its docket, including 11 of the 13 obligatory appropriations bills for fiscal year (FY) 2003, which began on October 1st. Others remaining include a comprehensive energy bill, legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security, and a slew of smaller bills that are just a vote away from the president's desk but otherwise will expire in January when the new Congress takes office. By the morning after Election Day, it was apparent that the new Republican leadership in the Senate would await the start of the 108th Congress to consider most of these matters and that the lame-duck session would accomplish little. For his part, President Bush announced last week that he would like to see spending bills finished but that homeland security legislation was the top priority -- he wanted a bill on his desk before the 107th Congress adjourned. Responding to the president's priority, the House passed a homeland security bill (H.R. 5710, a re-write of H.R. 5005) before ending its short lame-duck session on November 14th. Although the Senate remains under the nominal control of the Democrats, their opposition to the homeland security measure -- largely related to concerns over worker unionization, applicability of the Freedom of Information Act, and several other matters -- has weakened in the wake of the election, and they are expected to pass the House measure. Please see the November 2002 Geotimes for a discussion of how the new department may affect the geosciences (http://www.geotimes.org/nov02/scene.html). *** FY 2003 Appropriations *** Nearly two months into FY 2003, it looks like Congress has decided how it will approach the federal spending bills -- leave them for the next guys. The other major action taken by the House before leaving town was to pass a long-term continuing resolution (CR), H.J. Res 124, that will fund the federal government until January 11, 2003. The Senate is expected to approve the House-passed CR, which keeps most of the federal government at FY 2002 base levels -- a level that translates into a funding decrease for most programs because of inflation. The only programs unaffected are military since the two defense-related appropriations bills have already been enacted. Like earlier CR's, this one does not allow federal agencies to initiate any new activities. Unlike earlier ones, however, it provides $500 million for the new Department of Homeland Security, plus allowances for transfers of another $140 million from other agencies. Although the latest CR has an expiration date of January 11th, there is talk that the new Congress could decide to fund the remaining half of FY 2003 with a CR that expires on the last day of the fiscal year -- September 30, 2003. Because such a CR would deprive lawmakers of an entire year's worth of funding opportunities for their home district, the prospect of a full-year CR remains dim. More likely is an omnibus bill that bundles all of the remaining appropriations bills together. Independent of what approach the 108th Congress decides to take, it will most likely do it within its first few weeks, before the president releases the FY 2004 budget in early February. A major question for the geoscience community is what will happen to the proposed funding increases for many earth science-related programs found in the current House and Senate bills. Because funding for agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey and National Science Foundation (NSF) has not been a partisan issue, it is hoped that the bills considered by the new Congress will largely mirror the funding levels provided in the current ones. Even without final approval, however, Congress has made clear its intention to restore cuts made in the president's FY 2003 request. It remains to be seen whether the administration will take such intentions into consideration when finalizing its next request. *** Energy Policy *** A conference committee of representatives and senators began meeting last summer to work out differences between the House and Senate versions of comprehensive energy legislation (H.R. 4) intended to establish a new national energy policy. Before breaking for the elections, the conference committee had worked out compromise language on hundreds of pages of bill text but had yet to find consensus on some of the largest issues -- such as the House provision to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil and gas exploration and Senate provisions regarding climate change. The election results seemed to confirm the talk before the elections that the energy bill would be pushed off to the 108th Congress. But on November 13th, Conference Committee Chairman Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA) attempted to revive the debate by suggesting passage of a stripped-down bill that would include only provisions related to the Price-Anderson Act (insurance for nuclear power plants) and pipeline safety. Senate conferees quickly rejected the suggestion as did the White House, which indicated that any bill not including electric utility restructuring would be vetoed. Energy legislation will likely become one of the early issues for the 108th Congress. *** Other Legislation *** A few small, non-controversial authorization bills made it through before adjournment, including one to reauthorize the Sea Grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That bill, H.R. 3389, is expected to receive the president's signature even though it represents congressional rejection of the administration's proposal in its FY 2003 budget request to move Sea Grant to NSF. More on this bill at http://www.agu.org/cgi-bin/asla/asla-list?read=2002-26.msg. Legislation reauthorizing NSF -- calling for a doubling of the foundation's budget -- remains tied up in the Senate, and the topic will not be considered until next year. *** Not So New Look for the 108th Congress *** With the Senate returning to Republican control, many familiar faces from the first session of the 107th Congress -- before the switch of Sen. Jim Jeffords (I-VT) threw control to the Democrats -- will be back in charge. One difference is at the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, where Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-AK), the current Ranking Member and previous chairman, will be leaving for the governor's mansion in Juneau. With his departure, the chairmanship goes to Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM), who is relinquishing his long-time position atop the Budget Committee to take on this role. Domenici also will chair the Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee, giving him a level of control over the Department of Energy (DOE) not seen since former Sen. J. Bennett Johnston (D-LA) chaired both in the early '90s. The failure of the 107th Congress to pass a comprehensive energy bill means that Domenici's committee will have a major role to play in crafting the next version. Outgoing Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) will become the Ranking Member. Perhaps the most dramatic change will be at the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, which was chaired by Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT). Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) will serve as the new chairman of the committee since Jeffords' predecessor, Sen. Robert Smith (R-NH), was defeated in the primary. A major issue for EPW in the next Congress will be the reauthorization of the Clear Air Act as well as action on water infrastructure. Inhofe is likely to bring up the role of reformulated gasoline in the clear air debate. Early indications are that Inhofe will restructure the EPW subcommittees, but details won't be available until the 108th Congress convenes. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) will regain the chairmanship of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, with Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-SC) returning to the role of Ranking Member. The Appropriations Committee leadership will return to Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK). Within that powerful committee, Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO) will return as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on VA/HUD & Independent Agencies with Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) serving as Ranking Member. The Interior subcommittee chairmanship will go to Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT), and the Ranking Member will be Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), also ranking on the full committee. As noted above, Domenici will also take over the Subcommittee on Energy & Water from Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), who will remain as Ranking Member. In the House, the chairmanship of several key committees for geoscience-related programs remains unclear at this point. In the Appropriations Committee, Chairman Bill Young (R-AK) will continue. The leadership of the subcommittees on Interior & Related Agencies and Energy & Water, however, is up for grabs. Rep. James Walsh (R-NY) will continue on as chairman of the VA/HUD subcommittee. Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-LA) will maintain his chairmanship of the Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) will continue to lead the Science Committee. The biggest question in the House is who will serve as the chair of the Resources Committee. Current Chairman James Hansen (R-UT) is retiring and the next two highest members -- Tauzin and Rep. Don Young (R-AK) -- already have chairmanships, leaving Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ), a moderate, as the next highest ranking Republican on the committee. Several other members are considering the position, but the final decision will not be known until the new Congress convenes in January. Western Republicans have had a lock on the committee since coming to power in 1995. Special update prepared by Margaret A. Baker and David Applegate, AGI Government Affairs Program Sources: E&E Daily, Greenwire, Library of Congress, New York Times, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and Washington Post. 22222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222222 3) AGI GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROGRAM ACTION ALERT: 11-18-02 *** NSF Doubling Plan on Way to White House *** IN A NUTSHELL: At three in the morning last Friday, the House passed a compromise version of legislation that authorizes a doubling of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) budget over five years. The Senate acted earlier in the night after a deal was reached to overcome White House objections. The president is expected to sign H.R. 4664 into law, putting both the administration and Congress on record in support of this goal. The bill contains a number of provisions regarding education and workforce issues as well. NSF supporters have sought a budget doubling for the foundation ever since the National Institutes of Health was put on such a track (to be completed with the coming fiscal year's appropriations). Unlike an appropriations bill, however, this legislation only authorizes spending; it does not release any actual funds. A major effort from the scientific community over the next five years will be needed to turn authorization into reality. Geoscientists are encouraged to thank their representatives and senators for this important gesture. ********************** First it was on, then it was off, then it was on again. Late Thursday night, the Senate passed a compromise version of legislation authorizing expenditures for the National Science Foundation (NSF) over the next five years. The revised bill, H.R. 4664, then was sent across to the House, which passed it by unanimous consent at 2:59 a.m. on Friday morning, clearing the way for a presidential signature. An earlier House-Senate compromise had faltered when the White House expressed concern over out-year funding levels for the agency and the bill's explicit emphasis on doubling the agency's budget. Even as the Senate deal was struck, an AGI special update reported that this issue would likely wait for the new Congress. As a further reminder that Congress is a changeable place, we also reported that the House had finished its work for the 107th Congress, and yet they could come back this week, albeit quite briefly, if the Senate makes changes to the bill establishing a Department of Homeland Security. And Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), enjoying his last days as chairman of the Appropriations Committee, is reportedly making a last-ditch effort to attach some of the fiscal year (FY) 2003 appropriations bills to the House-passed continuing resolution (CR). With the House Appropriations Committee expressing no interest in Byrd's plan, however, the Senate is still expected to simply pass the CR -- which would fund the non-defense federal agencies at FY 2002 levels through January 11, 2003. Staff in both chambers will likely spend the next two months hammering out deals on the 11 remaining bills and roll them together into a single omnibus bill ready to be taken up in January. *** A Call for Doubling NSF's Budget *** Although H.R. 4664 addresses a number of issues relating to NSF, attention has focused on the authorization of funds to put the foundation on a path to double its budget over the next five years. Back in October, an earlier version of the bill that had passed the House was hung up at the Senate committee level in part due to objections from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Since then, the two chambers worked together with the administration to draft a compromise bill that could quickly be brought up for consideration after the elections. In its final version, H.R. 4664 lays out detailed recommended funding for the next three years -- OMB's preferred length for authorization bills -- and provides overall recommended allocation for an additional two years that would bring the agency's numbers up to double their current level. The authorized levels provided in the bill are as follows: * In FY 2003, the bill authorizes NSF for a total of $5.6 billion, with $4.2 billion of this amount going to Research and Related Activities (RRA), which is the primary source of funding for the discipline-based NSF directorates. Education and Human Resources (EHR) is authorized for $1.0 billion, with the NSF Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program receiving $200 million from that account. Funding for the Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction (MREFC) is authorized at $172 million. * In FY 2004, the bill authorizes $6.4 billion for the agency, with $4.8 billion going to RRA. EHR would be authorized at $1.2 billion, with $300 million going towards MSP, and MREFC is authorized at $211 million. * In FY 2005, the agency is authorized for a total of $7.4 billion, with $5.5 billion going towards RRA. The bill authorized EHR at $1.3 billion, within this amount $400 million would go towards MSP. Funding for MREFC is authorized at $260 million. * The bill recommends a total funding level of $8.5 billion in FY 2006 and $9.8 billion in FY2007. The bill does not provide details on how the RRA funds are to be distributed between the NSF directorates, but it does require that NSF submit an annual plan for allocation of funds to the key congressional committees. These reports must respond to the questions on how the increased funds: "will affect average size and duration of grants,.will affect trends in research support for major fields and subfields,.[and will] achieve an appropriate balance among major fields and subfields." *** Science and Math Education *** Much of the language in H.R. 4664, which incorporates parts of five separate House-passed bills, addresses science and math education. It provides details on several programs that aim to improve science and math education at the elementary and secondary levels, recruit and retain science and math educators, and provide these educators with professional development needed to meet state requirements. The NSF Math and Science Partnership (MSP) program provides competitive, merit-based grants targeted to reach these goals. MSP applicants must include an institution of higher education or eligible nonprofit organization along with one or more local educational agencies and may include either a state educational agency or the private sector. Funds from the program are to be used "for activities that draw upon the expertise of the partners to improve elementary and secondary education in mathematics or science and that are consistent with State mathematics and science student achievement standards." MSP would also support activities in teacher development, including the training of Master Teachers who would be a resource for other teachers on science and math content and pedagogy. The bill establishes the Robert Noyce Scholarship program to support the recruitment, retention, and training of science and math educators. Through competitive, merit-based grants, institutions of higher education (or a consortium) can work to develop programs to encourage math, science, engineering, and technology undergraduates to pursue a career in elementary and secondary teaching. The program also would provide scholarships for individual science, math, and engineering students for up to the last two years of a baccalaureate. Also included in the bill is the language from House Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert's (R-NY) Tech Talent legislation (H.R. 3130) that aims to increase the number of students pursuing degrees in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Using competitive, merit-based grants, the program will support additional research opportunities at the undergraduate level, build mentorships, work to bridge the transition between two-year institutions and baccalaureate programs for students, and build partnerships with industry. Another provision establishes Centers for Research on Mathematics and Science Learning and Education Improvement. The bill notes that the purpose of these centers is "to conduct and evaluate research in cognitive science, education, and related fields and to develop ways in which the results of such research can be applied in elementary school and secondary school classrooms to improve the teaching of mathematics and science." *** Other Provisions *** As a consequence of congressional criticism over NSF's management capabilities, the bill requires that several reports be produced over the next year. Because many of the science and math education programs are extensions of programs that currently exist within the Department of Education or other federal agencies, the bill requires NSF to work with the National Academy of Sciences to ensure that programs are not unnecessarily duplicated within the federal government. NSF also is to work with the National Academies and the OMB to determine "the source of discrepancies in Federal reports on obligations and actual expenditures of Federal research and development funding." Reflecting concerns expressed by Members of Congress during hearings with NSF leadership, the bill also includes provisions to change the manner in which agency priorities are set by the National Science Board -- NSF's appointed governing body. Future NSB meetings are to be open, and the body is to develop and submit a numbered priority list of Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction projects and the criteria used to evaluate the priorities. *** Next Steps *** Now that Congress has passed H.R. 4664, it awaits presidential approval, which is expected within the coming weeks. Before the 107th Congress adjourns for good, please contact your congressional delegation to thank them for their work to put NSF on a path to double its budget over the next five years and to strengthen science education at all levels. Plus, encourage them to support the appropriations that will turn this doubling goal into a reality. If you wish to call, the U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121 will connect you to your representative and senator's office. With congressional mail still being irradiated and considerably delayed, e-mail has become the standard way to write. Congressional e-mail addresses can be found at http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov. E-mails should use the form: The Honorable _____________ U.S. Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator ______: or The Honorable ______________ U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Representative ________: Please let us know of any contacts you make -- govt@agiweb.org, fax 703-379-7563, voice 703-379-2480 ext. 212, or AGI Government Affairs Program, 4220 King Street, Alexandria VA 22302. Alert prepared by Margaret A. Baker and David Applegate, AGI Government Affairs Program Sources: Coalition for National Science Funding, Library of Congress, National Council for Science and the Environment, National Science Foundation, and U.S. House Science Committee. 33333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333333 4) THE AWIS WASHINGTON WIRE - OCTOBER 31, 2002 The latest edition of the Washington Wire has been posted at http://www.awis.org/wire.html . Topics for this week's Washington Wire are: Education and the Workplace · Building Engineering and Science Talent (BEST) · Math and Science Partnerships Healthcare · Anti-HIV Discovery · Kaiser Launches Initiative to Address Disparities in Medical Care International Perspective · 2002 AAUW International Symposium · HIV/AIDS in Asia Program Government · President Bush Announces NSB Nominees · Congress Passes Bill to Reconstruct Federal Education Research · Vague White House Policies Could Set Back Science and Security · Congressional Recess Announcements · Rep. Patsy Mink Dies · Plane Crash Claims the Life of Senator Paul Wellstone · Women Physicists Speak Funding and Fellowships · 2003 National Academies Science & Technology Policy Internships · Alan T. Waterman Award Positions found in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect their sponsor's views. 44444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 5) 2003 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS (PAESMEM) The PAESMEM Program seeks to identify outstanding mentoring efforts that enhance the participation of groups (i.e., women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) that are underrepresented in science, technology,engineering, and mathematics. The awardees serve as leaders in the national effort to develop fully the Nation's human resources in science, technology,engineering, and mathematics. For more information contact Marilyn J. Suiter, Program Director, phone: (703) 292-5121, fax: (703) 292-9018, email: msuiter@nsf.gov or visit the NSF website at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2003/nsf03503/nsf03503.htm. Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time): February 28, 2003. Note: Program Solicitation NSF 03-503 replaces Document NSF 02-063. 55555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555 6) AWG BOOTH AT AGU, FALL 2002, IN SAN FRANCISCO AWG members who are going to the Fall AGU meeting in San Francisco are encouraged to sign up, to sit our AWG booth, for a two hour slot. Phyl Halvorson will be coordinating the sign-ups, so please drop a note to her sometime in November and let her know if you might be available. You must have your registration covered through your company, organization or self. AGU no longer offers inexpensive exhibit registrations for nonprofit booth spaces like ours. If you can offer time for more than one two hour slot, you are quite welcome...we can use your help. Your duties will include greeting guests and members and sharing your AWG experiences as we promote our mission to Encourage the participation of women in the geosciences, to Exchange technical and professional information, and to Enhance the professional growth and advancement of women in the geosciences. Phyl's email is: phylgeo@earthlink.net Exhibits Fri. Dec. 6th through Tues. Dec.10th, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm See you in San Francisco! Phyl Halvorson 66666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666 7) GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM THE PETROLEUM RESEARCH FUND The Petroleum Research Fund was originally established as a Trust by seven major oil companies in 1944. The American Chemical Society, to whom the assets of the Fund were transferred in 2000, must use the income "for advanced scientific education and fundamental research in the 'petroleum field,' which may include any field of pure science which ...may afford a basis for subsequent research directly connected with the petroleum field." Grants are made to nonprofit institutions in the United States and other countries in response to proposals. Fundamental research is currently supported in chemistry, the earth sciences, chemical engineering, and in related fields such as polymers and materials science. Since the first ACS PRF grants were approved in 1954, several have evolved to serve segments of the scientific community. PRF funding commitments in 2001 totaled $18.0 million. The PRF offers the following grant programs: · Type AC: Usually to PhD-granting departments, often as interim or seed money support for established principal investigators. · Type B: For non PhD-granting departments only. Provides support for undergraduate participation in research. · Type G: Starter grants for assistant professors with three or fewer years experience. Available to PhD and non PhD-granting departments. · Type AEF: Alternative energy postdoctoral fellowships for research on alternatives to conventional fossil fuel energy sources. · Type H: For summer schools on “topics at the cutting edge of science”. · Type SE: Provides travel support for foreign speakers at North American meetings. · Type SRF: Fellowships for Type B-qualified faculty to work as researchers on active PRF grants. · Type USF: Provides 1:1 salary match to support 9-12 month research sabbaticals for Type B-qualified faculty. For more information on the Petroleum Research Fund and all of these grants visit the American Chemical Society website at http://www.chemistry.org/portal/Chemistry and click on the link to ACS PRF, or contact Barbara Ransom at the American Chemical Society, phone: (202) 872 4083, fax: (202) 872 6319, e-mail: b_ransom@acs.org. 77777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777777 8) POSITION OPENINGS Indiana University Assistant Professor Hydrogeology The Department of Geological Sciences at Indiana University in Bloomington invites applications for a tenure-track position in hydrogeology. We are especially interested in candidates whose research impacts one or more of the following areas: isotope hydrology, chemical hydrogeology, modeling of water-rock geochemical interactions, and the fate and transport of microbes in subsurface environments. The position will be at the assistant professor level. Successful applicants would be expected to develop a strong program of research supplemented by external funding sources and demonstrate excellence and enthusiasm in teaching and mentoring. Applications should be sent to: Mark Person, Hydrogeology Search Committee Chair Department of Geological Sciences Indiana University, 1001 East Tenth Street Bloomington, IN 47405 phone (812) 855-4404 e-mail maperson@indiana.edu. The application material should include a letter outlining the candidate's research and teaching interests, a curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation which are due at the time of application. Review of applications will begin on January 15, 2003 and will continue until the position is filled. Indiana University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages the candidacies of women and minorities. ****************************** Fellowships for Postdoctoral Scholars at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Fellowships are available to new or recent doctoral graduates in diverse areas of research. Interested persons are encouraged to submit applications no later than January 15, 2003. Applications will be accepted from doctoral recipients with research interests associated with the following: Departments - Applicants who wish to conduct research on topics of general interest to one or more of the departments are encouraged to apply. Six to Eight awards are anticipated. The Departments are: • Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering • Biology • Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry • Geology & Geophysics • Physical Oceanography Institutes - With the aim of fostering interdisciplinary research addressing critical issues, WHOI has established four institutes. A fellowship is available to support research associated with each of the Institutes. The Institutes are: • Ocean Life Institute Institute • Ocean and Climate Change Institute • Deep Ocean Exploration Institute • Coastal Ocean Institute The NOAA-WHOI Cooperative Institute for Climate & Ocean Research (CICOR) will also award a Fellowship in one of three theme areas: Coastal Processes; Climate; Marine Ecosystems. National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (NOSAMS) funded by the National Science Foundation, will award a fellowship. Research themes are studies of radiocarbon in oceanic systems and developments in accelerator mass spectrometry and related techniques. ********** Recipients of awards are selected competitively, with primary emphasis placed on research promise. Fellowships are awarded for 18-month appointments with a stipend of $47,000 per year, a modest research budget and eligibility for group health insurance. Recipients are encouraged to pursue their own research interest in association with Resident Scientific and Senior Technical Staff. Communication with potential WHOI advisors prior to submitting an application is encouraged. Completed applications must be received by January 15, 2003 for the 2003/2004 appointments. Awards will be announced in March. Further information about the Fellowships and application forms as well as links to the Individual Departments, Institutes and Centers and their research themes may be obtained through the Academic Programs section of the WHOI web pages at: http://www.whoi.edu/education, or by writing directly to: Dean Academic Programs Office, MS #31 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 266 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543-1541 Telephone: (508) 289-2950 Fax: (508) 457-2188 E-mail: postdoc@whoi.edu Internet: http://www.whoi.edu/education Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. ****************************** Purdue University Faculty Position in Atmosphere-Surface Interactions The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University (www.eas.purdue.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position to start in the 2003-2004 academic year, subject to budgetary approval. In support of our research focus in atmosphere - surface interactions, we are particularly interested in hiring in one of the following three areas: Soil-Vegetation-Boundary Layer Modeling, Gas Flux Stable Isotope Geochemistry, or Climate/Regional Weather Interactions and Modeling. Faculty are expected to initiate and maintain vigorous research programs and to teach at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Applications at all levels are welcome and should include a vita and research and teaching plans. Electronic submission is strongly preferred. Candidates should arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to: faculty-search@eas.purdue.edu. Paper applications can be sent to Faculty Search, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Purdue University, 550 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051. Purdue University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. ****************************** Tufts University Assistant Professor in Hydrogeology Structural Geology Tufts University has a full-time, tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor of Geology in the area of Hydrogeology and Structural Geology, beginning September 1, 2003. Qualifications of applicants should include the Ph.D. or equivalent degree, although candidates about to complete the Ph.D. will be considered. We will also consider candidates at the Associate Professor level, based on experience and qualifications. Preference will be given to those with teaching experience at the college level and demonstrated research potential, especially in areas that blend hydrogeology and structural geology. The applicant should be able to fit into a small, well-equipped, undergraduate teaching department where research is expected and encouraged. The person hired will be expected to teach Hydrogeology, Structural Geology, and one or more related courses, and to assist in teaching the elementary courses. He or she will develop his/her own research program a! nd seek outside funding for that research. We also encourage collaborative work with faculty in the Engineering and Environmental programs at Tufts. Applications, including references from three qualified persons, transcripts, and resume, should be sent to Anne F. Gardulski, Chair, Department of Geology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155. Review of applications will begin December 15, 2002 and will continue until the position is filled. Tufts University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our faculty. Members of underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. ****************************** University of Florida Organic/bio-geochemistry The Department of Geological Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track assistant or associate professor position in the general area of organic/bio-geochemistry to begin with the 2003-2004 academic year. Possible areas of interest include: biogeochemistry, geomicrobiology, environmental geology, astrobiology, biogeochemical cycles, paleoceanography, etc. Preference will be given to quantitative, process-oriented scientists who will develop vigorous, innovative research programs, and who have a strong commitment to teaching. More information on the Department is available at web.geology.ufl.edu. Applicants should send a letter of interest, including a statement of research and teaching goals, a curriculum vitae, and the names and addresses of three references no later than January 15, 2003 to: Dr. Jon Martin, Department of Geological Sciences, 241 Williamson Hall, Box 112120, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 (352) 392-2231 / FAX 352-392-9294 (jmartin@geology.ufl.edu). The University of Florida is an equal opportunity employer; qualified women and minorities are especially encouraged to apply. ****************************** University of South Florida Assistant Professor in Environmental Karst studies The Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of South Florida, invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of environmental karst studies beginning August 2003, subject to funding. Responsibilities include teaching at all levels of the undergraduate and graduate program, leadership in the Department's Undergraduate Program, and developing an active, externally funded research program. Minimum Qualifications: a Ph.D. in Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, or other cognate field in hand by August 7, 2003 in order to be appointed as Assistant Professor; expertise in karst science, preferably with environmental applications, plus potential for publication and external funding. Preferred Qualifications: College level teaching experience. Applicants should submit a letter describing research and teaching interests and possible contributions to our program, a complete ! curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, E-mail, and telephone numbers of three referees by January 6, 2003. The ESP Department draws from the expertise of more than 70 interdisciplinary faculty, has over 200 undergraduate majors and 30+ Masters students, and is planning a Ph.D. program which is expected to be available in 2003. ESP will be moving into the new Natural and Environmental Sciences Building, a state-of-the-art research and teaching facility, in 2004. A Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive University, USF offers degree programs in 79 undergraduate disciplines, 89 master's and specialist's programs and 26 doctoral programs, including the M.D.; the faculty numbers more than 2,000 members, with 36,000 students in ten colleges on four campuses. The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, equal access institution. For disability accommodations, please contact Sue Viens, by phone (813) 974-2735 or e-mail sviens@chuma1.cas.usf.edu, at least five working days in advance. According to Florida law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public. Apply to: Dr. Rick Oches, Search Committee Chair, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, SCA238, 4202 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620; e-mail: oches@chuma1.cas.usf.edu. For information about the program, visit the Department's website at: http://www.cas.usf.edu/esp/. ****************************** Virginia Polytechnic Institute Geobiology The Department of Geological Sciences at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Geobiology. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in Geosciences or Biosciences. Preferences will be given to candidates with a strong background in paleontology (including micro- paleontology), excellent quantitative skills, and a broad interdisciplinary training. Post-doctoral experience is preferred, but not essential. The applicant should have a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate education. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program that combines biological and geological data to study the earth and life systems. Preference will be given to candidates who will interact across disciplines and develop research themes with high visibility and/or societal relevance. Such themes may include, for example: (1) biocomplexity and biodiversity; (2) paleoclimatology and biostratigraphy; (3) isotope paleobiology, biological oceanography, and environmental paleontology; and (4) Quaternary paleoecology, conservation biology, and rapid global changes. A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment. Interested applicants should send a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts, names and contact information of three references, statement of anticipated research and teaching interests along with a short essay explaining where the applicant would like to see him/herself within the geosciences in the future. Applicants should send their application package to Ms. Carolyn Williams, Geobiology Search Committee, Department of Geological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061; Phone: 540-231-6984; Fax: 540-231-3386; email: wilcar@vt.edu. For detailed information about the Department, applicants are encouraged to visit the Department's Home Page at http://www.geol.vt.edu. Questions may be sent to Fred Read (jread@vt.edu), Chair of the Search Committee. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2002 and continue until the position is filled. Affirmative Action and 504 Statements: The College of Arts and Sciences is deeply committed to recruiting, selecting, promoting, and retaining women, persons of color, and persons with disabilities. We strongly value diversity in the college community, and seek to assure equality in education and employment. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Carolyn Williams at 540-231-6894, TTY: 1-800-828-1120 by December 1, 2002. ****************************** Carleton College Geoscience Education Sabbatical and Postdoctoral Opportunities The Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College seeks an established geoscience faculty member who has a track record of innovation in the classroom to assist with development of the NAGT Cutting Edge website. This site will bring results and activities from workshops for geoscience faculty to a broader audience via the web. Four to six months of salary support is available for this sabbatical opportunity. We also seek a two-year postdoctoral fellow with a PhD in geoscience or geoscience education to work on development of an on-line resource to support faculty in teaching entry-level geoscience. The successful candidate will develop web-based materials that use digital-library technologies to bring together teaching resources and information on effective use. For further information visit serc.carleton.edu or contact Cathy Manduca at cmanduca@carleton.edu, 507 646-7096. Applications will be reviewed beginning on December 15 (sabbatical) and Jan 1 (postdoc). ****************************** California State University at Monterey Bay James W. Rote Distinguished Professorship in Earth Systems Science & Policy The Institute for Earth Systems Science & Policy (ESSP; http://essp.csumb.edu) of the California State University, Monterey Bay invites applications for a tenure track, full professorship. ESSP is looking for a senior scholar who has spent their career linking state-of-the-art science to environmental policy. The successful candidate will help students, faculty colleagues, and citizens master the processes that link science to policy through teaching, research, and active leadership in the Monterey Bay community. Position description and requirements can be found at http://uhr.csumb.edu/jobs/db/fac/ 88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 9) 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