[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         IN HONOR OF DON LAUER

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today with pride to remark 
on the extraordinary public service career of Dr. Donald Lauer. For 
over twenty-five years, Dr. Lauer has played a key leadership role at 
the Earth Research Observation Systems, EROS, Data Center near Sioux 
Falls, South Dakota, and for over a decade has served as Chief at EROS.
  Under the jurisdiction of the United States Geological Survey, the 
EROS Data Center holds one of the world's largest collections of images 
of the earth's land surface. These incredibly valuable images are 
managed and distributed by EROS personnel to scientists, policy makers 
and educators worldwide. The data is used to study a wide range of 
natural hazards, global environmental change and economic and 
conservation issues.
  EROS is also now home to the United Nations Environmental 
Programme's, UNEP, Division of Environmental Information, Assessment 
and Early Warning office in North America. South Dakotans are proud to 
host this important United Nations office within our state.
  The great success of EROS is due in significant portion to the 
outstanding leadership provided over the years by Dr. Lauer. His 
scientific, and management skills have proven invaluable as the role of 
EROS has expanded and become ever more complex. He has played a key 
role in facilitating a recent multimillion dollar transfer of NASA 
earth images to the UNEP, and their placement at EROS.
  Beyond all this, Dr. Lauer has also provided important leadership for 
the Sioux Falls community. He currently serves on the Board of 
Directors for Sioux Valley Hospital, and has had a career long interest 
in the health and education of his fellow citizens.
  I am pleased that Dr. Lauer will remain with the United States 
Geological Survey as an Emeritus Scientist, and that he plans to 
continue his residence in Sioux Falls. His vision and commitment to 
science will continue to well serve the people of the United States and 
of the world.
  Dr. Lauer's life and career serve as models for public servants 
throughout our nation. I take this opportunity to thank him for all he 
has accomplished at EROS, and wish him well on all his future 
challenges and opportunities.

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