Subcommittee Supports and Reviews Hybrid Technologies for Medium- to Heavy-Duty Commercial Trucks
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology's Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing to examine the state of developing hybrid technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial vehicles applications. Specifically, Subcommittee Members reviewed industry partnerships and the Department of Energy's (DOE) support in R&D of these systems and draft legislation. "Skyrocketing costs of fuels have had a devastating impact on America's truckers by driving up the cost of … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Research and Monitor Ocean Acidification
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing to review H.R. 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act. Committee Members examined the current status of science on ocean acidification and research and monitoring activities focused on ocean acidification and its potential impacts on marine organisms and marine ecosystems. Ocean acidification is one of the consequences of climate change. … Continue Reading
June 05, 2008House Passes Legislation to Strengthen Nanotechnology Safety Research
(Washington, DC) - Today, H.R. 5940, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 407 to 6. H.R. 5940 reauthorizes and refines the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), notably strengthening the commitment to environmental and safety research. “The promise of nanotechnology is enormous, but potential downsides need to be addressed from the beginning in a thorough, transparent process,” said Chairman Bart Gordon … Continue Reading
June 04, 2008Chairman Gordon’s Statement on Health IT Draft Legislation
Washington, DC) -The House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on a discussion draft of legislation on Health IT and Privacy. House Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), who is also a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, offered the following statement: First, I want to make clear that I fully support Chairman Pallone's and Chairman Dingell's efforts to have Congress play a more active role in developing a national … Continue Reading
June 04, 2008Committee Approves NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee unanimously passed legislation to reauthorize NASA, H.R. 6063, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008. This legislation encompasses the recommendations and findings from 16 hearings the Committee held throughout the 110th Congress to review nearly every major aspect of NASA’s programs. “NASA has a key role to play in the nation’s innovation agenda, ensuring the future health of our … Continue Reading
June 03, 2008Chairman Gordon’s Statement on DOE Yucca Mountain License Application
Washington, DC) - In response to an announcement today by the Department of Energy (DOE) that it has submitted a license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) seeking authorization to construct America's first repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) had the following statement: "I welcome the Department of Energy's announcement today regarding its submittal of a … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008Chairman Gordon Encouraged by Release of Comprehensive Health IT Draft
(Washington, DC) - In response to the release today of draft legislation by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) had the following statement: "My goal has always been for the 110th Congress to move comprehensive healthcare IT legislation. This draft represents a collaborative work product that creates a statutory framework for encouraging the use of and regulation of Health IT while still addressing the necessary mechanisms to … Continue Reading
May 22, 2008Subcommittee Assesses the Effects of Globalization on America’s Economy
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight held a hearing to assess the effects of globalization of jobs and technology on America’s economy. Specifically, this hearing examined what influences U.S. firms’ decisions to locate their production and research facilities at home or abroad. "The hardships of working Americans are proving enduring and profound," said Subcommittee Chairman Brad Miller (D-NC). "No longer can we … Continue Reading
May 21, 2008Subcommittee Investigates EPA IRIS
(Washington, DC)—The Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), a database established in the 1980s to provide a single source of information on the risks associated with exposure to chemicals. The IRIS database provides a hazard identification and dose-response analysis, scientific information that when combined with estimates of exposure allow regulatory agencies to produce … Continue Reading
May 21, 2008Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Sea Grant
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment held a hearing on the National Sea Grant College Program Act, H.R. 5618. The Sea Grant program is a partnership between state and federal government to promote the understanding, conservation, and management of our ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. "The National Sea Grant College Program is a powerful resource in America's pursuit of discovery through science," … Continue Reading
May 20, 2008Subcommittee Passes NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics unanimously passed HR 6063, the NASA Authorization Act of 2008 without amendment. Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-CO) introduced the bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Fiscal Year 2009. Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), and Subcommittee Ranking … Continue Reading
May 15, 2008Subcommittee Chairman Udall’s Statement on the NASA Authorization Act
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Committee on Science and Technology's Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall introduced the "NASA Authorization Act of 2008" (H.R. 6063), a bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Fiscal Year 2009. Chairman Udall made the following statement: Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the "NASA Authorization Act of 2008", a bill to reauthorize the programs of the National Aeronautics and Space … Continue Reading
May 14, 2008Farm Bill Expands Biofuels R&D
(Washington, DC) - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act conference report (H.R. 2419) by a vote of 318-106. The conference report includes provisions to expand biofuels research and development programs that were enacted last December in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-140). H.R. 2419 will strengthen the long-standing partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy in developing … Continue Reading
May 14, 2008Committee Discusses Water Supply Challenges
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Committee held a hearing to discuss the challenge of managing water supplies to meet social, economic and environmental needs in the United States. Population growth, changes in water use patterns, competing demands for water supply, degradation of water quality, and climatic variation are all factors influencing the availability and use of water. "Recent droughts experienced in the west and the southeast and increased competition for … Continue Reading
May 12, 2008Committee Discusses How to Spark Younger Children’s Interest in Math and Science
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Science and Technology Committee held a hearing on efforts to engage students in math and science at an early age. Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) joined Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) in Rep. Hall's congressional districtto hear witnesses discuss how to keep students interested in math and science throughout middle school and high school, and how to translate that interest into rewarding careers that will benefit the nation, … Continue Reading
May 09, 2008Chairman Gordon Presses Establishment of ARPA-E as a Key to Clean Energy Independence
(Washington, DC) - House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) spoke at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory today at 11 am to discuss the path to clean energy independence. He was joined by Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN).“Rising costs of energy are hurting consumers at the pump, families at the supermarket, and threatening job security because high prices are weakening the competitiveness of our domestic industries,” said Chairman Gordon. “The … Continue Reading
May 08, 2008Subcommittee Reviews Legislation to Remove Barriers for Women in Academic Science and Engineering Fields
(Washington, DC) -Today, the House Science and Technology's Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to discuss ways to remove barriers for women in academic science and engineering fields. The Subcommittee held a hearing to receive comments on draft legislation that incorporates recommendations from the National Academies panel that were presented at a hearing in October of 2007. "The United States cannot afford to continue losing our best and brightest women from … Continue Reading
May 07, 2008Committee Passes Legislation to Reauthorize NNI
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Committee approved H.R. 5940, the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008. This legislation amends the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to make several changes to the implementation process and priorities of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). It is based in part on recommendations from the formal reviews of NNI by the National Academy of Sciences and the NNI Advisory Panel. "H.R. … Continue Reading
May 06, 2008Subcommittee Passes Legislation to Increase Water Supply
(Washington, DC) - Today, the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment passed two bills aimed at increasing water supply through research and new technologies. Subcommittee Chairman Nick Lampson (D-TX) led the markup on H.R. 3957, the Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act and H.R. 2339, the Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007. "Water utilities across the country withdraw roughly 40 billion gallons of water per day for domestic … Continue Reading
May 05, 2008Gordon Speaks to NanoBusiness Alliance Regarding the Committee’s Work on Nanotechnology Reauthorization
(Washington, DC) - Today, House Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) spoke at the NanoBusiness Alliance's NanoBusiness 2008 Conference regarding advancement of nanotechnology. Chairman Gordon discussed legislation to reauthorize the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), H.R. 5940, which is scheduled to be marked up at the full Committee this Wednesday, May 7. Chairman Gordon made the following remarks: I am pleased to have been invited to address the NanoBusiness 2008 … Continue Reading