Public Policy - New & Notable

Alexander Proposes "Manhattan Project" For Clean Energy
In a May 9th address at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Senator Lamar Alexander proposed  “launching a 5-year New Manhattan Project to put America firmly on the path to clean energy independence within a generation.”  more

Eye On Washington Newsletter - May 8
Highlights include Congressional looks at expanding nuclear power, NASA aeronautics, E-waste disposal and small business innovation research, the uncertain status of the International Thermonuclear Reactor (ITER) funding, new copyright legislation, and new electric reliability standards.    current issue

Nanotechnology Reauthorization Moves in House
On May 7, the House Science and Technology Committee approved , the National Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 5940). This legislation contains amendments to the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act to the implementation process and priorities of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which are based on recommendations by the National Academy of Sciences and the NNI Advisory Panel.   more

Congress Passes Genetic Non-Discrimination Bill
Final House passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) on May 1 puts the bill before the President for signature and marks an important step toward obtaining federal protections against the misuse of genetic information. IEEE-USA joined with over 300 organizations comprising the Genetic Alliance to help encourage passage of this legislation.    more

Hearing Looks at Problem of E-Waste
At an April 30 hearing, the House Science and Technology Committee reviewed the national management of E-Waste.  In the absence of federal law or regulation governing the disposal of consumer electronic products, witnesses emphasized the need for consumers to be aware of the problem and the different options available when an electronic product is discarded.   more

Workshop To Help Engineers Considering Public Office
On May 10th, IEEE-USA - along with Scientists and Engineers for America (SEA), a coalition of engineering and scientific organizations - will host a Campaign Education Workshop to teach engineers and scientists how to run for public office.  This one day workshop to be held at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, will involve people from across the political and scientific spectrum.

Maryland Repeals Computer Services Tax
As its 2008 legislative session came to a close, the Maryland legislature repealed a state-wide tax on computer services before it could take effect.  IEEE-USA supported efforts by Maryland members to advocate in favor of the repeal, including testimony by IEEE Region 2 Director John Dentler before the Maryland House Ways and Means Committee.    more

National Summit on American Competitiveness Set
Registration is now open for the National Summit on American Competitiveness, which will be convened by the U.S. Commerce Department in Chicago, IL on 22 May 2008.    more

President’s Science Advisor to Address IEEE
Technologies for Homeland Security Conference
Dr. John Marburger, Director of the President’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, will be the keynote speaker at the 2008 IEEE International Conference on Technologies for Homeland Security set for 12-13 May in Waltham, Massachusetts.

IEEE 2008 WISE Interns Selected
Jonathan Becker (Syracuse University), Gregory Duperon (Georgia Tech University) and Gregory Tress (Carnegie-Mellon University) will explore intersections of technology and public policy in 9 week summer program. more

Presidential Candidates Urged to Debate on S&T Issues
A distinguished group of science and engineering leaders including IEEE-USA President Russell Lefevre, spearheaded by U.S. Reps. Vernon Ehlers and Rush Holt, have issued a call for a public debate in which the U.S. presidential candidates share their views on the issues of the Environment, Health and Medicine, and Science and Technology Policy.  Candidates have been invited to debate on April 18, at he Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

China Rivals U.S. in Technology Competitiveness
According to a newly released report from researchers at Georgia Tech, a long term study of high-tech indicators suggests China may soon supplant the United States as the principal driver of the world's economy.  more

 NSF Releases Science and Engineering Indicators 2008
The biennial report is a comprehensive source of information on research and development conducted by universities, industry, the federal government and the international science and engineering enterprise. Declines in federal funding outlined in the Foundation's report prompted release of this companion report by the National Science Board on "R&D:  Essential Foundation for U.S. Competitiveness in a Global Economy." more

Strategic Plan Released for National
Nanotechnology Initiative
A new strategic plan for the work of the National Nanotechnology Initiative has just been released whichdescribes the vision, goals, and priorities of the NNI to ensure that the United States derives growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for its citizens and remains a global leader in nanotechnology R&D. more

Also see IEEE-USA's Eye on Washington

Updated:  09 May 2008