James Reilly, a former astronaut and petroleum geologist, told senators that resolving USGS budget challenges and maintaining the agency’s core mission are other top priorities.
science policy
Posted inNews
NSF’s Budget Details Provide Some Good News for the Geosciences
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.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inEditors' Vox
Can Atmospheric Science Improve Global Disaster Resilience?
Scientific understanding of atmospheric hazards and their interconnectivity can contribute to international policy and disaster risk management.
Posted inOpinions
The Government Sidelines Science, but to What Extent?
Anecdotes paint a grim picture about the state of scientific integrity in the current administration. Results from a newly opened and broad survey will show us this problem’s full scope.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inNews
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.
Posted inNews
Administration Plan Would Cut USGS Budget by More Than 20%
The plan emphasizes priorities such as energy and mineral independence and security. However, the sharp funding drop means that the agency won’t be able to support its full scientific portfolio.