Coalitions

Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition

AIBS and the Ecological Society of America (ESA) have partnered to launch the Biological and Ecological Sciences Coalition (BESC). AIBS and ESA believe now is the time for the biological and ecological communities to work harder than ever before to ensure these sciences receive the federal investment they deserve. By bringing together colleagues who share a passion and concern for the biological and ecological sciences, BESC will seek to address these challenges and enhance awareness and appreciation for the biological and ecological sciences on Capitol Hill, with the Administration, and with fellow science colleagues.

The coalition has hit the ground running. Immediately following the coalition's first meeting, BESC successfully lobbied the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF) - a Washington, D.C. based coalition supporting NSF - to write to the House Appropriations Committee about the NSF biology budget. As a result of this and other efforts by BESC members, the House Appropriations Committee recommended a 15 percent increase for biology funding at NSF in its version of the bill (as compared to the 3.4% increase recommended by the Senate earlier this year).

The following week, ESA Director of Public Affairs Nadine Lymn presented comments on behalf of BESC at the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), encouraging the Council to recognize the broad range of science disciplines contributing to the nation's knowledge base. BESC's comments stressed that environmental biology, agricultural biology, ecology and other fundamental disciplines of biology make up the life sciences which are currently perceived to consist mainly of medical science. A PCAST member remarked that this distinction was important for the Council to keep in mind as they move forward with their recommendations to President Bush.

More information on the coalition, including copies of public statements and membership information, can be found at the BESC website (www.esa.org/besc/). Societies or organizations interested in joining BESC should contact Dr. Robert Gropp, AIBS Director of Public Policy at .

USGS Coalition

The AIBS Public Policy Office works aggressively to encourage the use of good science by public policy decision makers. Toward this goal, AIBS is a founding member and co-chair of the USGS Coalition. The USGS Coalition is an alliance of more than 65 scientific and professional, and educational organizations united by a commitment to the continued vitality of the unique combination of biological, geological, hydrological and mapping programs of the United States Geological Survey. The Coalition supports increased federal investment in USGS programs that underpin responsible natural resource stewardship, improve resilience to natural and human-induced hazards, and contribute to the long-term health, security and prosperity of the nation. The USGS provides independent, high-quality data, information, research support and assessments needed by federal, state, local, and tribal policymakers, resource and emergency managers, researchers and educators, and the public.

Throughout 2004 the USGS Coalition worked with Representative James Moran (D-VA) to seek passage of H.Res. 556, a congressional resolution recognizing the contributions USGS scientists have made to the nation over the agency's 125 years. Additionally, the USGS Coalition has met with leading members of Congress and the White House to advocate for increased fiscal year 2005 funding for the USGS, provided congressional testimony in support of the USGS, and hosted the Coalition's first Capitol Hill reception — an event that recognized the support of Capitol Hill supporters and provided members of Congress with an opportunity to learn more about the USGS science programs.

AIBS members and member societies and organizations interested in learning more about or becoming involved with USGS Coalition efforts should contact Dr. Robert Gropp in the AIBS Public Policy Office at .