AIBS Public Policy Report


*AIBS Public Policy Report, Volume 15, Issue 26, December 29, 2014*

   - Senate Announces Committee Membership for 114th Congress
   - Many New Faces Expected on House Committees
   - Plan Would Expel Foreign Students from UK after Graduation
   - Interior Announces New Scientific Integrity Policy
   - Government Conducts Biosecurity Sweep of Federal Labs
   - Deadline Approaching: Graduate Student Leaders Sought to Shape Science
   Policy
   - Participate in the Biological and Ecological Sciences Congressional
   Visits Day
   - Short Takes
      - New Website Launched to Build Natural History Collections Community
      - Government Competition Launches to Measure Water Pollution
      - New Funding Opportunities for Gulf of Mexico Research
   - 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
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D8bd416a601%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=4cd2ae664a53434c8df247393dd1ab00f3b1e0b80a4a136962033cc91517ce1c>
.

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.
------------------------------

*Senate Announces Committee Membership for 114th Congress *

Key Senate committees with jurisdiction over research and science education
will have new members in the next session of Congress, which starts in
January.

The Appropriations Committee, which allocates federal funding, will
experience significant changes to its membership. Senators Dan Coats (R-IN)
and Mike Johanns (R-NE) are leaving for other committee assignments. Some
have interpreted these departures as a sign of the diminishing status of
appropriators in Congress. Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Tim Johnson
(D-SD) retired. Senators Mark Begich (D-AK), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Mark
Pryor (D-AR) were not reelected. Four freshman Senators will join the
committee: Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), James Lankford
(R-OK), and Steve Daines (R-MT). Three returning Senators will also join
the panel: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Christopher Murphy (D-CT), and Brian
Schatz (D-HI). As anticipated, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) will lead the
committee, with Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) serving as the top Democrat.

Senator John Thune (R-SD) will chair the Commerce, Science, and
Transportation Committee, with Bill Nelson (D-FL) serving as Ranking
Member. The committee will have seven new members. Senators Joe Manchin
(D-WV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), and Tom Udall (D-NM) have joined the committee,
as well as freshmen Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Cory Gardner (R-CO),
Steve Daines (R-MT), and Gary Peters (D-MI). Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA),
Dan Coats (R-IN), and Tim Scott (R-SC) are departing the committee, which
has jurisdiction over policy at the National Science Foundation, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and National Aeronautics and Space
Administration. Senators John Rockefeller (D-WV) and John Walsh (D-MT) did
not seek reelection and Senators Mark Begich and Mark Pryor were defeated
in the mid-term elections.

The Energy and Natural Resources Committee will welcome Senators-elect
Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and
Cory Gardner (R-CO), as well as Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King
(I-ME), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Dean
Heller (R-NV), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Tim Scott (R-SC) received new
committee assignments and will not be returning. Three other members are
not returning to Congress, including current chair Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) will chair the committee next year and
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) will serve as Ranking Member.

The committee with jurisdiction over the Environmental Protection Agency
will have three new members. The Environment and Public Works Committee
will retain familiar faces in its top spots. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)
will chair the committee and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) will serve as the top
Democrat. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Dan
Sullivan (R-AK) will be new members on the committee. Senator Tom Udall
(D-NM) will not return to the panel.

The Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee will be led by Senator
Pat Roberts (R-KS), with Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) as Ranking Member. Senator
Mike Johanns (R-NE) is leaving the committee and Senators Saxby Chambliss
(R-GA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and John Walsh (D-MT) did not seek reelection.
New members include freshmen Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), David Perdue
(R-GA), Ben Sasse (R-NE), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

*Many New Faces Expected on House Committees *

Major turnover is expected on the House committees that set the nation’s
science policy agenda. Many newly elected Republicans will be joining the
committees with jurisdiction over research and education. Democrats have
not yet announced their committee rosters.

Eight of 22 Republican members on the Science, Space and Technology
Committee will be freshmen Representatives. The new members are
Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX), Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Barry
Loudermilk (R-GA), Steve Knight (R-CA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Dan Newhouse
(R-WA), Gary Palmer (R-AL), and Bruce Westerman (R-AZ). Departing committee
members include Paul Broun (R-GA), Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Chris Collins
(R-NY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ralph Hall (R-TX), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY),
David Schweikert (R-AZ), and Steve Stockman (R-TX). Most of these members
opted for a new committee assignment in the new Congress. Notably, Lummis
and Bucshon chaired subcommittees in the 113th Congress; the new
subcommittee chairs have not yet been named.

The House Appropriations Committee will have at least four new members:
Representatives Evan Jenkins (R-WV), David Jolly (R-FL), Scott Rigell
(R-VA), and David Young (R-IA). Jenkins and Young are both new to Congress.

Eight new members will join the Agriculture Committee, and one,
Representative Jackie Walorski (R-IN), is a returning member of Congress.
The others were recently elected to their first term: Representatives Ralph
Abraham (R-LA), Rick Allen (R-GA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Tom Emmer (R-MN), John
Moolenaar (R-MI), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and David Rouzer (R-NC).

*Plan Would Expel Foreign Students from UK after Graduation *

UK Home Secretary Theresa May recently released a plan to send foreign
graduates back to their home countries immediately after completing their
degree. The proposal has been widely criticized by scientists and leading
universities in the United Kingdom.

Currently, graduates have four months to seek work after completing their
degree. Under the new plan, foreign graduates from countries outside the
European Union would have to return home before being able to apply for a
job and work visa in the UK. The United States, Canada, and Australia allow
foreign graduates to work for one year after graduation.

Critics have said that the plan would deter foreign graduates from working
in the UK. “Forcing students to return home to apply for a work visa would
put significant barriers of time and money in their way when they can least
afford them,” said Dr. Sarah Main, director of the Campaign for Science and
Engineering.

“If the UK is to remain internationally competitive, it should be looking
to broaden, not limit, the opportunities for qualified international
graduates to stay in the UK to work for a period and contribute to the
economy,” stated Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK.

About 120,000 students from outside the EU study in the UK each year.
Seventy thousand of these students stay after graduation.

*Interior Announces New Scientific Integrity Policy *

Three years after implementing a scientific integrity policy, the
Department of the Interior is overhauling the policy. The department touts
that the changes will create a new role of ombudsman, form an Interior
Scientific and Scholarly Integrity Council, provide more clarity on the
complaint and appeals process, and offer more employee training.

Secretary Sally Jewell released a statement on 17 December that stated
“Science is at the heart of Interior's mission, so it's important that we
continue to lead federal efforts to ensure robust scientific integrity.
Today we are announcing an updated, strengthened policy to broaden, clarify
and underscore our commitment to sound science and to reflect enhancements
based on three years of experience with the current policy.”

Public reaction to the new policy is mixed. The Union of Concerned
Scientists said the changes bring Interior “once again to the front of the
pack in the Obama administration's quest to create strong scientific
integrity standards within federal agencies and departments.”

The Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) claims that
the revisions are actually a weakening of the current policy. The changes
“narrow the scope of the rules, erect barriers against holding miscreant
managers accountable and enshroud scientific integrity reviews in secrecy,
preventing independent analysis of the facts,” the organization said in a
statement.

Among the changes PEER objects to are the definitions of ‘scientific
misconduct’ and ‘loss of scientific integrity,’ and the removal of language
that stated that employees are responsible for reporting scientific
misconduct.

*Government Conducts Biosecurity Sweep of Federal Labs *

Eleven federal departments and agencies have conducted a review of more
than 4,000 research facilities to identify potentially dangerous research
compounds. The sweep came in response to a “safety stand-down” ordered by
the White House in response to improper storage of biological select agents
and toxins used in federal research.

In addition to adequately storing or disposing of select agents, agencies
also developed improved laboratory biosafety and biosecurity protocols.

Of the more than 40 million samples reviewed, 27 instances were reported of
agents that were not properly stored. The White House reports that there is
no evidence that humans were exposed to any of these agents or toxins.

Non-governmental labs were also eligible to participate in the safety
review. Potentially dangerous materials found at these labs were either
destroyed or transferred to an organization registered to possess such
substances.

*Deadline Approaching: Graduate Student Leaders Sought to Shape Science
Policy *

Applications are being accepted for the 2015 AIBS Emerging Public Policy
Leadership Award. This award recognizes graduate students in the biological
sciences who have demonstrated initiative and leadership in science policy.
Recipients receive first-hand experience at the interface of science and
public policy.

Winners receive:

   - A trip to Washington, DC, to participate in the Biological and
   Ecological Sciences Coalition Congressional Visits Day, an annual event
   that brings scientists to the nation’s capital to advocate for federal
   investment in the biological sciences, with a primary focus on the National
   Science Foundation. The event will be held on 13-14 May 2015. Domestic
   travel and hotel expenses will be paid for the winners.
   - Policy and communications training, including information on the
   legislative process and trends in federal science funding.
   - Meetings with congressional policymakers to discuss the importance of
   federal investments in the biological sciences.
   - A one-year AIBS membership, including a subscription to the journal
   *BioScience* and a copy of “Communicating Science: A Primer for Working
   with the Media.”
   - An award certificate and membership in the EPPLA alumni network.

The 2015 award is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in a graduate degree
program in the biological sciences, science education, or a closely allied
field. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in and commitment to
science policy and/or science education policy. Prior EPPLA winners and
AIBS science policy interns/fellows are not eligible.

Applications are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, 18 January 2015.
The application can be downloaded at
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/eppla.html
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D18a93fc189%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=fa3f07de3a13679f9c807ad4c5c7147101669349ff25b7f07fec457396da85dd>
.

*Participate in the Biological and Ecological Sciences 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 invited 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 to discuss the importance of federal funding for biological
research and education. Event participants advocate for federal investments
in biological sciences research, with a primary focus on the National
Science Foundation, as well as 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 13-14 May 2015 in Washington, DC. The
first day of the program 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 travel expenses.

Learn more about the event and express your interest in participating at
http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/congressional_visits_day.html
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Db68eb3b92f%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=86f00c18d7ba694786b37a4be049f936b2d9e0630a44399c625821f297185d9d>.
The deadline to sign up is 13 March 2015.

*Short Takes*

   - The Network Integrated Biocollections Alliance project has launched
   its website,www.niballiance.org
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D5599e28a00%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=a83aaab69b6fdc245dc5b78d7123c1c6199711656118b2c8126d590b942e964e>.
   The site is a forum for interested individuals to learn about and
   participate in community building activities that will help to cultivate a
   sustainable, networked, national community of practice to advance the
   interests of the biodiversity collections community.
   - A new competition is seeking an inexpensive, easy-to-use sensor to
   measure water pollution due to nitrogen and phosphorus. The winner of the
   Nutrient Sensor Challenge will create a technology that can measure
   nutrient levels unattended for three months and cost no more than $5,000.
   Learn more at http://www.act-us.info/nutrients-challenge
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Ddf2f66d7d4%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=b074ee7a68c3842cb71d9af8bbd06db322e0398d119b12242b615105716c815e>
   .
   - The Gulf Research Program is currently accepting applications for 2015
   exploratory research grants and research and science policy fellowships.
   More information will be presented about the fellowships during a webinar
   on 8 January 2015. Learn more athttp://www.nas.edu/gulf/index.html
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Defbb61172b%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=e2e3780d53916734ec433c5cebdc91fa263645895dff785e400132df42bf0e10>
   .

*From the Federal Register*

The following items appeared in the Federal Register from 15 to 26 December
2014. 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
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Dd310def9b2%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=b8913d46ca2df78c7c1b847594c8bead0be1bf965067aedf1ff3f0d6b1abc8ba>
.

*Week Ending 26 December 2014*

*Commerce*

   - Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee

*Council on Environmental Quality*

   - Economic and Environmental Principles and Guidelines for Water and
   Related Land Resources Implementation Studies; Final Interagency Guidelines
   - Final Guidance for Effective Use of Programmatic NEPA Reviews
   - Revised Draft Guidance for Federal Departments and Agencies on
   Consideration of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Effects of Climate Change
   in NEPA Reviews

*Environmental Protection Agency*

   - Environmental Laboratory Advisory Board (ELAB) Meeting Dates and Agenda

*Health and Human Services*

   - Minimal Manipulation of Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular- and
   Tissue-Based Products; Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug
   Administration Staff; Availability
   - Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of
   Meeting

*National Science Foundation *

   - Privacy Act; System of Records
   - Sunshine Act Meeting; National Science Board

*Office of Science and Technology Policy *

   - President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

*Week Ending 19 December 2014*

*Agriculture*

   - National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council

*Health and Human Services: *

   - Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD), Centers for Disease Control
   and Prevention (CDC); Meeting
   - Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health; Notice of
   Meeting
   - Submission for OMB Review; 30-Day Comment Request Evaluation of the
   NIH Academic Research Enhancement Award (NIH OD)

*National Aeronautics and Space Administration *

   - NASA Advisory Council; Science Committee; Meeting

*Office of Management and Budget *

   - Federal Awarding Agency Regulatory Implementation of Office of
   Management and Budget's Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost
   Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards


*Become an Advocate for Science: Join the AIBS Legislative Action Center*

Quick, free, easy, effective, impactful! Join the AIBS Legislative Action
Center
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D107512d59c%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=e9f307a54c106346cf1ac6f424e47011de3cfe8034a673b3c77ff2e6f097dc68>
.

The Legislative Action Center is a one-stop shop for learning about and
influencing science policy. Through the website, users can contact elected
officials and sign-up to interact with lawmakers.

The website offers tools and resources to inform researchers about recent
policy developments. The site also announces opportunities to serve on
federal advisory boards and to comment on federal regulations.

This new tool is made possible through contributions from the 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 policy.aibs.org
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Dd7dac102b6%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=e2d67c9b09b74b095f372bfdc255226619d2e36bfdaf23afbadc08fa5c7d14d1>
to
get started.

------------------------------

   - Give your society or organization a voice in public policy. See
   http://www.aibs.org/public-policy/funding_contributors.html
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D1c1397b42e%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=cb1c7bf80e386bb9a1daad5e342f597380003fd0c970fef0b92ed74c778e0ef5>
   .



   - 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
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D737ff6a9f0%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=4fa2c2f077150a212d16285c74ff80da76f139d54dec4241789d2f18e4c566cc>
to
   join AIBS.



   - Become an advocate for science, visit the AIBS Legislative Action
   Center athttp://policy.aibs.org
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D00ec930ed0%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=393e57821b6af3095ca4c3537165b6ca31f8cdaa80e331dd04dfa4e198eeaacf>
   .



   - Know the news as it happens, sign-up to receive AIBS press releases
   and policy statements (http://www.aibs.org/mailing-lists/mediaisu.html
   
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3Df85421ab10%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=e9caad7bd8cb28c48f1bab8b6f367f9078059893056ff37c692c93a1fb56eab4>
   ).

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
over 140 member organizations and is headquartered in Reston, VA, with a
Public Policy Office in Washington, DC. Its approximately 35 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
<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v1/url?u=http://aibs.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u%3Da2886d199362c2554974f78af%26id%3D72088a3921%26e%3D6708ed45cf&k=dpQisR3avULHgiNaNeY%2Btg%3D%3D%0A&r=Cj4FMI2iDPlEjbn4EXNux4WH0ww1pUvJZ5NUtLyPOEs%3D%0A&m=DYjxR%2FWVLmEoEEE8j92pcUW6r7ZeS0VblVM91b0T17Y%3D%0A&s=aa690d377a4ba2dc3f4e0e2e525ca6bf62866b6052d95857f9769a3cc574f5a8>
.

*Our mailing address is:*
American Institute of Biological Science
1444 I St., NW, Ste. 200
Washington, DC 20005
*Copyright (C) 2014 American Institute of Biological Sciences All rights
reserved.*

On Tue, Jan 6, 2015 at 8:43 AM, Malcolm McCallum <
malcolm.mccallum.ta...@gmail.com> wrote:

> It needs to be headed off.
> IF we wait for sh*t to hit the fan, its going to blow up in our face.
> Folks need to be activist NOW before their foundations are set.
>
> On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 8:16 PM, Peter Morrison <pe...@pacificbio.org>
> wrote:
>
>>     Malcolm,
>>  Thanks for bringing this to our attention once again. This is very
>> serious and needs to be countered by scientists like those on this
>> listserve.  And there will probably be many more attempt to dismantle
>> government programs that focus on biodiversity, conservation and
>> environmental protection by the new Congress. All hands on deck!  There's a
>> big storm headed our way.
>>  Peter Morrison,  Executive Director - Pacific Biodiversity Institute
>>
>> On Tue, 30 Dec 2014 10:44:12 -0600, Malcolm McCallum <
>> malcolm.mccallum.ta...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Specific findings of the report
>>  > <http://naturalresources.house.gov/UploadedFiles/ESA_
>> Peer_Review_Science-Staff_Report.pdf>
>>
>>  > include:
>>  >
>>  > The FWS does not have clear or consistent policies and procedures in
>> place
>>  > across all Regions to ensure that peer reviewers with potential
>> conflicts
>>  > of interest are identified and screened;
>>  >
>>  > The FWS generally seeks peer review of its proposed listing decisions
>> at
>>  > the same time they are made available for public comment, rather than
>>  > earlier in the process when the peer reviewers may have more meaningful
>>  > input;
>>  >
>>  > The FWS regularly recruits the same scientists on whose work a listing
>>  > decision is based to serve as peer reviewers, including those who have
>>  > known policy positions or affiliations with advocacy groups that
>> support
>>  > the listing decision, rather than truly independent scientists;
>>  >
>>  > The FWS uses scientists as peer reviewers who have received grants or
>> other
>>  > financial assistance from the Department of the Interior and its
>> bureaus
>>  > and other agencies; and
>>  >
>>  > The FWS routinely withholds from the public the identities of peer
>>  > reviewers, qualifications of peer reviewers, and details about their
>>  > comments.  >
>>  > On Tue, Dec 30, 2014 at 10:41 AM, Malcolm McCallum <
>>  > malcolm.mccallum.ta...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>  >
>>  > > Remember when I posted links to a widespread planned attack on
>>  > > environmental legislation that will take place in the next
>> Congressional
>>  > > period? No one really discussed it or anythign.  > >
>>  > > Well, the misinformation campaign has begun to set the foundation
>> for the
>>  > > attack. Herein they use the govt internal review process and its
>> problems
>>  > > to attack the external peer review process. No doubt its
>> deliberate.  > >
>>  > >
>>  > > http://naturalresources.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?
>> DocumentID=397998
>>  > >
>>  > >
>>  > >
>>  > > --
>>  > > Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP
>>  > >
>>  > >
>>  > > “Nothing is more priceless and worthy of preservation than the rich
>> array
>>  > > of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a
>>  > > many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature
>> lovers
>>  > > alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as
>> Americans.”
>>  > > -President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act of
>> 1973
>>  > > into law.  > >
>>  > > "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
>>  > > Allan Nation
>>  > >
>>  > > 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert
>>  > > 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
>>  > > and pollution.  > > 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration,
>> and pollution reduction
>>  > > MAY help restore populations.  > > 2022: Soylent Green is People!
>>  > >
>>  > > The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
>>  > > Wealth w/o work
>>  > > Pleasure w/o conscience
>>  > > Knowledge w/o character
>>  > > Commerce w/o morality
>>  > > Science w/o humanity
>>  > > Worship w/o sacrifice
>>  > > Politics w/o principle
>>  > >
>>  > > Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
>>  > > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
>>  > > contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized
>>  > > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not
>>  > > the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
>>  > > destroy all copies of the original message.  > >
>>  >
>>  >
>>  >
>>  > --
>>  > Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP
>>  >
>>  >
>>  > “Nothing is more priceless and worthy of preservation than the rich
>> array
>>  > of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a
>>  > many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature
>> lovers
>>  > alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as
>> Americans.”
>>  > -President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act of
>> 1973
>>  > into law.  >
>>  > "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
>> Allan
>>  > Nation
>>  >
>>  > 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea" W.S. Gilbert
>>  > 1990's: Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
>>  > and pollution.  > 2000: Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and
>> pollution reduction
>>  > MAY help restore populations.  > 2022: Soylent Green is People!
>>  >
>>  > The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
>>  > Wealth w/o work
>>  > Pleasure w/o conscience
>>  > Knowledge w/o character
>>  > Commerce w/o morality
>>  > Science w/o humanity
>>  > Worship w/o sacrifice
>>  > Politics w/o principle
>>  >
>>  > Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
>>  > attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
>>  > contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized
>>  > review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not
>>  > the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
>>  > destroy all copies of the original message.  >
>>  >
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> --
> Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP
>
>
>  “Nothing is more priceless and worthy of preservation than the rich array
> of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a
> many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers
> alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans.”
> -President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act of 1973
> into law.
>
> "Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" -
> Allan Nation
>
> 1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea"  W.S. Gilbert
> 1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
>             and pollution.
> 2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
>           MAY help restore populations.
> 2022: Soylent Green is People!
>
> The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
> Wealth w/o work
> Pleasure w/o conscience
> Knowledge w/o character
> Commerce w/o morality
> Science w/o humanity
> Worship w/o sacrifice
> Politics w/o principle
>
> Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
> attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
> contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
> review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
> the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
> destroy all copies of the original message.
>



-- 
Malcolm L. McCallum, PHD, REP


 “Nothing is more priceless and worthy of preservation than the rich array
of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a
many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers
alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans.”
-President Richard Nixon upon signing the Endangered Species Act of 1973
into law.

"Peer pressure is designed to contain anyone with a sense of drive" - Allan
Nation

1880's: "There's lots of good fish in the sea"  W.S. Gilbert
1990's:  Many fish stocks depleted due to overfishing, habitat loss,
            and pollution.
2000:  Marine reserves, ecosystem restoration, and pollution reduction
          MAY help restore populations.
2022: Soylent Green is People!

The Seven Blunders of the World (Mohandas Gandhi)
Wealth w/o work
Pleasure w/o conscience
Knowledge w/o character
Commerce w/o morality
Science w/o humanity
Worship w/o sacrifice
Politics w/o principle

Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any
attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may
contain confidential and privileged information.  Any unauthorized
review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and
destroy all copies of the original message.

Reply via email to