In response to discussions with the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, a request from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), interest in both Houses of Congress, and interest in the research community, the Commission on Life Sciences (CLS) proposes to organize and lead a multi-commission National Research Council (NRC) assessment of the status of environmental research in the United States, including current research activities, needs, funding and trends. The study would examine ways to improve federal programs and funding for environmental research and training, including various proposals to establish National Institutes for the Environment and other ways to improve the science base in environmental protection and resource management. Total estimated costs for this 15-month study are $650,000, of which the National Science Foundation is asked to contribute $50,000. Remaining funds are being requested from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of the Interior, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. An award for this important planning study is recommended.
