The budget features significant funding for polar region science, including efforts to document and understand rapid changes in the Arctic and to modernize Antarctic infrastructure.
News
Environmental Ratings Lowest Ever for Congressional Republicans
Senate Republicans averaged 1%, while House GOP members averaged 5%, the worst showing since the League of Conservation Voters scorecard began in 1970.
House Science Subcommittee Hearing Targets Sexual Harassment
Witnesses testified about the culture that allows sexual harassment to persist, harassment’s impact on individuals and the scientific community, and what is being done to combat it.
Fossil Energy Sources Win Out in Interior and Energy Budgets
The budgets reflect the administration’s energy and environment priorities by boosting research and development for coal and oil while decreasing funding for clean and renewable energies and environmental protection.
Stanford Scientist Drops $10 Million Lawsuit over Critical Paper
Mark Jacobson, a renewable energy scientist, announced the decision on Twitter, saying he had succeeded in bringing his concerns to light.
Senior USGS Official Quits over Request for Advance Alaska Data
The official objected to providing results of an Alaskan energy assessment to Interior Secretary Zinke before the report was public. The department says Zinke acted within his authority.
New Postage Stamps Focus on Bioluminescent Marine Life
The stamps help draw attention to the wonders of creatures that generate their own light and to the environmental problems that threaten them in marine habitats, scientists say.
Calm Waters off Hawaii Harbor a “Nursery” of Sea Life
Ocean slicks—naturally occurring bands of smooth water—are home to an astounding diversity of fish larvae and other marine life, researchers show.
Ozone Pollution Maps Show Spikes Amid Broad Declines
Exceptionally comprehensive new maps detail current global concentrations and 15-year trends.
China May Soon Surpass the United States in R&D Funding
A U.S. report on science and engineering indicators is largely correct about China making huge strides, a Chinese official said. However, he disputed funding amounts and downplayed Chinese research leadership.