[PCA] Fwd: AIBS Public Policy Report - plant news and job opportunity
De Angelis, Patricia
patricia_deangelis at fws.gov
Tue Feb 26 07:36:02 CST 2013
This may be of interest to listserve members.
Patricia S. De Angelis, Ph.D.
Botanist, Division of Scientific Authority-US Fish & Wildlife
Service-International Affairs
Chair, Medicinal Plant Working Group-Plant Conservation Alliance
4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 110
Arlington, VA 22203
703-358-1708 x1753
FAX: 703-358-2276
Promoting sustainable use and conservation of our native medicinal plants.
<www.nps.gov/plants/medicinal>
Follow International Affairs
> on Twitter http://twitter.com/USFWSInternatl
> on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/USFWS_InternationalAffairs
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: AIBS Public Policy Office <polrept at aibs.org>
Date: Mon, Feb 25, 2013 at 2:08 PM
Subject: AIBS Public Policy Report
To: Patricia <patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov>
Email not displaying correctly? View it in your
browser.<http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=871c5d3140&e=0fbed0ec1a>
AIBS Public Policy Report
*AIBS Public Policy Report, Volume 14, Issue 4, February 25, 2013*
- Despite Myriad Proposals to Avoid Sequestration, No Deal Expected
- Agencies Detail Impacts of Sequestration on Research and Science
Education
- AIBS Joins With Diverse Groups to Oppose Sequestration
- Federal Agencies Directed to Develop Open Access Policies
- Participate in the 2013 BESC Congressional Visits Day
- Federal Government Proposes New Rules for Risky Research
- Entomological Society of America Launches Science Policy Program
- Interior Releases Strategic Plan for STEM Education
- Short Takes
- Contest Offers Cash Prizes for Innovative Ideas in Graduate
Education
- Another Cabinet Vacancy With Chu’s Departure
- NSF Seeks New Director for Environmental Biology
- NSF Launches Blog for Environmental Biology
- From the Federal Register
- Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center
------------------------------
The AIBS Public Policy Report is distributed broadly by email every two
weeks to the AIBS membership. Any interested party may self-subscribe to
receive these free reports by email or RSS news feed, by going to
www.aibs.org/public-policy-reports<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=fb291e5f1e&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
With proper attribution to AIBS, all material from these reports may be
reproduced or forwarded. AIBS staff appreciates receiving copies of
materials used. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please
contact the AIBS Director of Public Policy, Robert Gropp, at 202-628-1500 x
250.
------------------------------
*Despite Myriad Proposals to Avoid Sequestration, No Deal Expected*
Several plans have been floated to delay the impacts of $85 billion in
across-the-board spending cuts set to begin on 1 March 2013. Despite the
abundance of competing proposals, DC insiders are skeptical that a deal
will be done before the cuts take effect.
Senate Democrats plan to consider a measure this week that would avert
sequestration for the remainder of the year through higher taxes on the
wealthy, new tax revenue from oil extraction from tar sands, and spending
reductions in agriculture subsidies and defense. The American Family
Economic Protection Act would reduce the deficit through equal parts
spending cuts and new revenue. In addition to completely offsetting the
cost of sequestration this year, the plan would raise $25 billion to
replace additional spending reductions. The White House has voiced its
support for the plan.
Republican Senators have expressed opposition to the Democrats’ plan on the
grounds that a deal should not include new tax revenue. Instead, the GOP is
considering a proposal to grant federal agencies additional flexibility in
how to apply the spending cuts. Current law requires that all budget
accounts be cut by a fixed percentage—5 percent for non-defense and 8
percent for defense.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has expressed openness to finding a way
to replace sequestration if the Senate can pass a solution. “If they’re
willing to pass a bill, we’ll find some way to work with them to address
this problem,” Boehner said. Some House Republicans are insisting that such
a deal include a plan to balance the budget within 10 years.
Outside of Congress, another deficit reduction plan is being offered by
former Senator Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles, former chief of staff to
President Bill Clinton. In 2010, the duo co-chaired a presidential
commission to cut the deficit. Their newest proposal would cut the deficit
by $2.4 trillion over 10 years. One quarter of this sum would be raised
through additional revenue generated by overhauling the tax code. The
remainder would come from cuts to health care and mandatory and
discretionary programs. The Simpson-Bowles plan would avert sequestration
through other spending cuts.
*Agencies Detail Impacts of Sequestration on Research and Science Education*
A number of federal departments and independent agencies released revised
information on the likely impacts of budget sequestration at the request of
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski. Many agencies
face cuts that would be especially damaging for research and development
(R&D), as well as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
education.
Sequestration would have drastic impacts on the National Science
Foundation, hurting vital investments in basic research and cutting-edge
technological development, and jeopardizing STEM education. It would
require a reduction of roughly 1,000 research grants, directly impacting
nearly 12,000 people, including professors, graduate students,
undergraduates, K-12 teachers and students, and technicians.
Funding cuts at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science would curtail
operations at numerous facilities, potentially impacting more than 25,000
researchers and personnel. It would also cause schedule delays and
increased construction costs. Finally, sequestration would result in
reduced research grants, affecting scientists around the country.
R&D at the Environmental Protection Agency would be diminished as a
consequence of sequestration, forcing the agency “to make cuts we believe
will directly undercut our congressionally-mandated mission of ensuring
Americans have clean air, clean water and clean land,” according to a
statement from the agency.
Agricultural research would be cut by more than 100 grants, disrupting
progress in research on water, bioenergy production, animal and plant
disease, and other topics. The Natural Resources Conservation Service would
additionally curtail technical and financial assistance to approximately
11,000 landowners and producers for environmental conservation efforts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would also see
significant impacts. Up to 2,600 NOAA employees would have to be furloughed
and approximately 2,700 vacant positions would not be filled. Moreover,
1,400 contractors would be laid off.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration would have to cut 10
percent to 15 percent of the budget for new Explorer and Earth Venture
Class missions, and reduce by approximately 5 percent new awards supporting
jobs at universities, businesses, and other research entities.
The Department of Education would face tough decisions as a result of
funding cuts. Approximately 80 percent of school districts would reportedly
not be able to make up the losses from sequestration, putting at risk both
student progress and teachers’ jobs. “I can assure you that our economic
competitors are increasing, not decreasing, their investments in education,
and we can ill afford to fall behind as a consequence of the
indiscriminate, across-the-board cuts that would be required by
sequestration,” stated Education Secretary Arne Duncan in a letter to
Chairwoman Mikulski.
At the 14 February 2013 Senate Appropriations hearing on “The Impacts of
Sequestration,” Chairwoman Mikulski summarized her thoughts on
sequestration: “I think it’s bad economic policy, I think it’s bad
governance policy, and I really don’t like it.”
*AIBS Joins With Diverse Groups to Oppose Sequestration*
AIBS joined more than 3,200 organizations from all sectors of the economy
and society to urge Congress and President Obama to put an immediate end to
sequestration budget cuts that threaten to send the economy reeling back
into recession and destroy more than two million American jobs.
The Nondefense Discretionary (NDD) United community delivered a letter to
Congress, urging leaders to avert sequestration by adopting a "balanced
approach to deficit reduction that does not include further cuts to NDD
programs." Joining together in this effort are national, state, and local
organizations from all fifty states representing the health, education, law
enforcement, science, housing, workforce, transportation, and faith
communities, among others. Despite their diverse priorities, these
organizations share a common purpose of protecting core government
functions.
Congress needs to work with the White House to come up with a bipartisan,
balanced compromise that does not deepen the cuts that discretionary
programs have already sustained. In 2011, NDD spending represented less
than one-fifth of the federal budget. Under strict discretionary caps in
the bipartisan Budget Control Act, by 2021 NDD spending will decline to the
lowest level in at least 50 years. If sequestration is allowed to take
effect, cuts to NDD programs will be even deeper. Over the past two years,
discretionary programs have already contributed substantially to deficit
reduction through some $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. During that time,
NDD programs were cut by 9 percent on average, with many programs cut by as
much as 50 percent. Continued cuts will have consequences for every
American, threatening the health, safety, and competitiveness of the United
States.
The letter explains some of what Americans will lose if Congress and
President Obama do not avert sequestration through a balanced approach to
deficit reduction. Read the letter at
http://www.aibs.org/position-statements/20130211_sequestration.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=5e8e74713b&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*Federal Agencies Directed to Develop Open Access Policies*
On 22 February, the Office of Science and Technology Policy directed the
heads of federal agencies to each develop a plan to support increased
public access to the results of research funded by the federal government.
This includes any results published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals and
digital scientific data that are based on research that directly arises
from federal funds.
The requirement applies to federal agencies that support over $100 million
in annual research and development; this includes the National Science
Foundation, Departments of Agriculture and Energy, National Institutes of
Health, and Environmental Protection Agency, among others.
Agencies were instructed to leverage existing archives for posting final
peer-reviewed manuscripts or final published documents. A 12 month embargo
period after publication is suggested as a guideline, but agencies can
tailor their individual plans. Moreover, agencies must provide a mechanism
for stakeholders to petition to change the embargo period for a specific
scientific discipline.
Agencies have six months to devise their draft plans for complying with the
memo.
*Participate in the 2013 BESC Congressional Visits Day*
Scientists and graduate students who are interested in communicating the
importance of federal investments in scientific research and education to
lawmakers are encouraged to participate in the Biological and Ecological
Sciences Coalition (BESC) Congressional Visits Day in Washington, DC.
This event is an opportunity for scientists to meet with their members of
Congress about the importance of federal support for biological research
and education. Event participants advocate for federal investments in
biological sciences research, such as that supported by the National
Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental
Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, and other federal agencies.
BESC is co-chaired by the American Institute of Biological Sciences and the
Ecological Society of America.
This year's event will be held on 10-11 April 2013 in Washington, DC. The
first day of the event is a training program that will prepare participants
for meetings with congressional offices. The second day is spent on Capitol
Hill meeting with members of Congress and their staff.
There is no cost to participate in this event, but space is limited. BESC
and its member organizations are not able to pay/reimburse participants for
their expenses.
Learn more about the event and register to participate at
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_visits_day.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=0856350135&e=0fbed0ec1a>.
Registration will close on 7 March 2013.
*Federal Government Proposes New Rules for Risky Research*
Researchers who work with 15 potentially dangerous agents and toxins would
be subject to extra review if a proposed federal policy were adopted.
Universities and research institutions that receive federal funding would
be required to review their current life sciences research involving
certain pathogens or toxins and to develop risk mitigation plans.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy claims that the new
policy aims at “maximizing the benefits of life sciences research while
minimizing the odds that the results of such research will be misused.”
Specifically, the policy focuses on so-called dual use research, which can
pose a significant threat to public health and safety, crops, livestock, or
the environment.
The draft policy is open for public comment until 23 April 2013. More
information is available at
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/02/22/2013-04127/united-states-government-policy-for-institutional-oversight-of-life-sciences-dual-use-research-of<http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=2833b18706&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*Entomological Society of America Launches Science Policy Program *
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) and the American Institute of
Biological Sciences (AIBS) have announced a new partnership that will
provide ESA members with an even stronger voice in the nation's science
policy debates.
The ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional
and scientific needs of entomologists and individuals in related
disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA has more than 6,400 members affiliated
with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and
government. Members are researchers, teachers, extension service personnel,
administrators, marketing representatives, research technicians,
consultants, students, pest management professionals and hobbyists.
The AIBS is a scientific association dedicated to advancing biological
research and education for the welfare of society. AIBS works independently
and in partnership with scientific organizations to ensure that the public,
legislators, funders, and the community of biologists have access to and
use information that will guide them in making informed decisions. The
organization does this through informing decisions by providing
peer-reviewed or vetted information about the biology field and profession
and by catalyzing action through building the capacity and the leadership
of the biological sciences community to address matters of common concern.
"We are pleased to offer our members a new voice in science policy," said
ESA Executive Director David Gammel. "Our members have a wealth of
scientific information that can inform policy decisions. Through this new
partnership with AIBS, our members can become effective advocates for
entomology."
Richard O'Grady, AIBS Executive Director, is pleased that ESA is increasing
its presence in the nation's science policy. "ESA is a well respected
scientific society with a long history and a robust membership of
professionals who have a lot to offer our nation's policymakers," said
O'Grady.
In the coming weeks, ESA members will begin to receive new science policy
analysis and information through a monthly newsletter prepared by AIBS.
They will also begin to learn about opportunities to gain experience and
training in communicating with policymakers, and opportunities to inform
science policy debates in the nation's capital and in the states.
"This new partnership coincides with the creation of ESA's new Science
Policy Committee," said ESA President Rob Wiedenmann," and it fits in well
with this year's Annual Meeting theme, which is 'Science Impacting a
Connected World.' We look forward to working with AIBS in the future."
*Interior Releases Strategic Plan for STEM Education*
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is concerned about the pipeline of
future employees who are scientifically literate. In response, the
department has released a strategic plan for science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education to strengthen career pathways
to fields of study that support Interior’s mission.
“Intentional and strategic alignment of existing resources, leveraging of
current programs, and expansion of partnerships will allow DOI to
strengthen those education and career pathways that will attract and
prepare the future workforce and contribute to the development of a
scientifically literate public with whom DOI must engage daily to address
complex issues in their communities,” states the report.
Read the report at
http://www.doi.gov/whatwedo/youth/education.cfm/index.cfm<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=f214019ec3&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*Short Takes*
- A new contest sponsored by the National Science Foundation will award
cash prizes of $1,000 to $3,000 for innovative ideas to improve graduate
education. The contest seeks to better prepare science graduate students
for their future careers. Learn more at
http://www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/gradchallenge/index.jsp?WT.mc_id=USNSF_51<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=ba49e5cb30&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
- Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will resign after serving for four
years in the Obama cabinet. The Nobel Prize-winning physicist will return
to teach at Stanford University.
- The National Science Foundation is accepting applications for the
position of director of the Division of Environmental Biology. A
description of the position and information about how to apply is available
at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/337479700?org=NSF<http://aibs.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=a8d21492c4&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
- The Division of Environmental Biology at the National Science
Foundation (NSF) has launched a new blog, DEBrief. It is reportedly the
first blog in the history of NSF. The site will share information about new
proposal review procedures, news coverage of DEB-funded science, and other
issues. Access the site at
http://nsfdeb.wordpress.com/<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=ad1b32311a&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*From the Federal Register*
The following items appeared in the Federal Register from 11 February 2013
to 22 February 2013. For more information on these or other recent items,
please visit the AIBS Federal Register Resource at
www.aibs.org/federal-register-resource/index.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=75b5fe4498&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*Week Ending 22 February 2013*
*Arctic Research Commission*
- Programs and Research Projects Affecting the Arctic
*Commerce*
- Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, Meeting of the Data
Management and Communications Steering Team
*Energy*
- Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee
- President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)
*Environmental Protection Agency*
- National Environmental Education Advisory Council
- Request for Nominations to the National Environmental Justice Advisory
Council (NEJAC)
*Health and Human Services*
- Office of Biotechnology Activities; Recombinant DNA Research: Actions
Under the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules
(NIH Guidelines)
- Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of
Meeting
*Interior*
- Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Special Rule for the
Polar Bear Under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act
- Invasive Species Advisory Committee
*Office of Science and Technology Policy*
- United States Government Policy for Institutional Oversight of Life
Sciences Dual Use Research of Concern
*Week Ending 15 February 2013*
*Agriculture*
- National Advisory Committee for Implementation of the National Forest
System Land Management Planning Rule
*Commerce*
- National Sea Grant Advisory Board
*Defense*
- Extension of Nominations for Membership on the Ocean Research Advisory
Panel
*Environmental Protection Agency*
- National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology
- Notification of a Public Meeting of the Chartered Science Advisory
Board
- Pollinator Summit: Status of Ongoing Collaborative Efforts To Protect
Pollinators; Notice of Public Meeting
*Interior*
- Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Meetings
- Meeting Announcement: North American Wetlands Conservation Council
*National Science Foundation*
- Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education; Notice of
Meeting
- Sunshine Act Meetings; Notice
*Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center*
Quick, free, easy, effective, impactful! Join the AIBS Legislative Action
Center today! (www.aibs.org/public-policy/legislative_action_center.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=ecf0c64f34&e=0fbed0ec1a>
)
The AIBS Legislative Action Center is an online resource that allows
biologists and science educators to quickly and effectively influence
policy and public opinion. Each day lawmakers must make tough decisions
about science policy. For example, what investments to make in federal
research programs, how to conserve biodiversity, how to mitigate climate
change, or under what circumstances to permit stem cell research.
Scientists now have the opportunity to help elected officials understand
these issues. This exciting advocacy tool allows individuals to quickly and
easily communicate with members of Congress, executive branch officials,
and selected media outlets.
The AIBS Legislative Action Center is made possible through contributions
from the Entomological Society of America, Society for the Study of
Evolution, Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, and
the Botanical Society of America.
AIBS and our partner organizations invite scientists and science educators
to become policy advocates today. Simply go to
http://capwiz.com/aibs/home/<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=172590d7b2&e=0fbed0ec1a>to
send a prepared letter or to sign up to receive periodic Action
Alerts.
------------------------------
- Give your society or organization a voice in public policy. See
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/funding_contributors.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=d38c163b59&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
- Become an AIBS Individual Member and lend your voice to a national
effort to advance the biological sciences through public policy, education,
and science programs. Visit
http://www.access.aibs.org/?page=IndMem<http://aibs.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=36d356a6f9&e=0fbed0ec1a>to
join AIBS.
- Become an advocate for science, visit the AIBS Legislative Action
Center at http://capwiz.com/aibs/home/<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=280b0f0043&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
- Know the news as it happens, sign-up to receive AIBS press releases
and policy statements
(http://www.aibs.org/mailing-lists/mediaisu.html<http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=f4f53441f2&e=0fbed0ec1a>
).
The American Institute of Biological Sciences is a nonprofit 501(c)(3)
scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and
education for the welfare of society. AIBS works to ensure that the public,
legislators, funders, and the community of biologists have access to and
use information that will guide them in making informed decisions about
matters that require biological knowledge. The organization does this
through informing decisions by providing peer-reviewed or vetted
information about the biology field and profession and by catalyzing action
through building the capacity and the leadership of the community to
address matters of common concern.
Founded in 1947 as a part of the National Academy of Sciences, AIBS became
an independent, member-governed organization in the 1950s. Today, AIBS has
nearly 160 member organizations and is headquartered in Reston, VA, with a
Public Policy Office in Washington, DC. Its approximately 40 staff members
work to achieve its mission by publishing the peer-reviewed journal *
BioScience* and the education Web site *ActionBioscience.org*, by providing
scientific peer-review and advisory services to government agencies and
other clients, and by collaborating with scientific organizations to
advance public policy, education, and the public understanding of science.
Website: www.aibs.org<http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a2886d199362c2554974f78af&id=30a5b7b406&e=0fbed0ec1a>
.
*Our mailing address is:*
American Institute of Biological Science
1900 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 200
Reston, VA 20191
*Copyright (C) 2013 American Institute of Biological Sciences All rights
reserved.*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.plantconservation.org/pipermail/native-plants_lists.plantconservation.org/attachments/20130226/bd4d6bbf/attachment.html>
More information about the native-plants
mailing list