[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12884]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 562--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATION OF THE WEEK 
OF OCTOBER 9, 2016, THROUGH OCTOBER 15, 2016, AS ``EARTH SCIENCE WEEK''

  Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. Alexander, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Capito, 
Mr. Cassidy, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Peters, Mr. King, Mr. Markey, 
and Mr. Heinrich) submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 562

       Whereas 2016 marks the 19th annual international Earth 
     Science Week, designated by the American Geosciences 
     Institute to help the public gain a better understanding of 
     and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage 
     stewardship of the Earth;
       Whereas the theme of Earth Science Week for 2016, ``Our 
     Shared Geoheritage'', promotes better understanding and 
     appreciation of sites or areas with geologic features of 
     significant scientific, educational, cultural, historic, or 
     aesthetic value;
       Whereas the study of the Earth sciences leads to an 
     improved understanding of the Earth's natural systems and the 
     interplay between human society and those systems;
       Whereas the Earth sciences enable the discovery, 
     development, and responsible production of the mineral base 
     of the United States, which contributes to the strength of 
     the economy of the United States and raises the standard of 
     living in the United States;
       Whereas geologic mapping and remote sensing technologies 
     provide the foundational knowledge of Earth's natural systems 
     that is integral--
       (1) to the discovery, development, and conservation of 
     energy, water, and natural resources; and
       (2) to the safe disposal of waste products;
       Whereas the geological aspects of resources, hazards, and 
     the environment are vital to land management and land use 
     decisions at the local, State, regional, national, and 
     international levels;
       Whereas the Earth sciences provide the basis for locating, 
     assessing, monitoring, and mitigating natural hazards, such 
     as earthquakes, landslides, floods, droughts, wildfires, 
     subsidence, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and volcanic 
     eruptions;
       Whereas the Earth sciences are vital in protecting health 
     and human safety during natural hazards events;
       Whereas Earth scientists working in marine environments 
     contribute to the understanding of global oceans, enabling 
     advances in food management, national security, energy 
     resources, transportation, economic growth, and recreation;
       Whereas the Earth sciences support the ability to manage 
     healthy and productive soils and ocean and river waters and 
     fisheries, the foundations of the food supply of the United 
     States;
       Whereas the Earth sciences enhance understanding of current 
     and past global conditions and offer a basis for anticipating 
     future conditions;
       Whereas the Earth sciences contribute to understanding 
     Earth as a planet in the solar system and the universe;
       Whereas Earth science research leads to the development of 
     innovative new technologies and industries that fuel the 
     economy of the United States and improve quality of life in 
     the United States;
       Whereas Earth science researchers and educators drive 
     creativity and passion for the Science, Technology, 
     Engineering, and Mathematics (commonly known as ``STEM'') 
     fields among students of all ages through diverse and 
     innovative education and public outreach efforts;
       Whereas geoscientists and researchers in the labs, 
     universities, research institutions, and Federal agencies of 
     the United States continually push the frontiers of human 
     knowledge, help develop and incubate the concepts and 
     programs that keep the companies and industries of the United 
     States at the innovative forefront of the world's economy, 
     and inspire future generations of researchers, scientists, 
     and informed citizens; and
       Whereas the Earth sciences make vital contributions to an 
     understanding of and respect for nature and the Earth: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of the week of October 9, 
     2016, through October 15, 2016, as ``Earth Science Week'';
       (2) expresses strong support for the goals and ideals of 
     Earth Science Week to increase the understanding of and 
     interest in the Earth sciences at the local, State, national, 
     and international levels;
       (3) recognizes the importance of education and public 
     outreach efforts to ensure that the people of the United 
     States gain a better understanding of and appreciation for 
     the impact of the Earth sciences on their daily lives;
       (4) encourages K-12 students--
       (A) to participate in local, State, and national events in 
     connection with Earth Science Week; and
       (B) to get involved in the celebration of Earth Science 
     Week by exploring artistic and academic applications of the 
     Earth sciences; and
       (5) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Earth Science Week with appropriate activities--
       (A) to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for 
     the Earth sciences; and
       (B) to encourage stewardship of the Earth.

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