Witnesses at a congressional hearing highlighted the need to provide stability to NASA but were lukewarm in supporting specific provisions of the proposed Space Leadership Preservation Act.
Legislation and regulations
USGS Budget Plan to Advance Earth Observations, Hazards Measures
The request for across-the-board increases in fiscal year 2017 also seeks to improve water monitoring and terrain mapping, downsize infrastructure, and grow operations in support of scientific work.
White House Showcases Earthquake Alerts, Federal Quake Readiness
A prototype ShakeAlert early warning system approaches alert-ready status as the administration issues an executive order on federal earthquake standards.
Proposed 6.7% NSF Budget Increase Depends on Mandatory Funds
If Congress does not approve a new funding strategy pursued by the Obama administration, called mandatory funding, the proposed fiscal year 2017 amount for the agency would grow by only 1.3%.
Proposed NASA Budget: Earth Science Up, Planetary Science Down
A new line item for space transportation would support NASA partnerships with commercial spaceflight vendors and reduce dependence on Russia for transporting astronauts.
Scientists Denounce Pending Australian Climate Science Cuts
The recently unveiled planned shift from basic climate research toward responses to a transformed climate could cost research jobs, hamper climate studies, and limit data gathering and analysis.
Mandatory Funding Would Boost U.S. Science Budget
Much of the White House's proposed 4.2% increase for federal research and development funding next year depends on Congress agreeing to a new "mandatory" funding category not subject to a budget cap.
Electrical Concrete Offers Green Alternative to Airport Deicers
The Federal Aviation Administration is testing conductive concrete as a replacement for water-polluting chemicals used to melt ice from airport tarmacs.
Obama Says Combating Climate Change Aids Earth and U.S. Economy
In his seventh and final State of the Union address, President Obama touts alternative-energy gains during his tenure, urges a quicker shift from fossil fuels, and mocks climate change skeptics.
Group Pushes for Using Earth Observations in Decision Making
Earth observation "system of systems" could help with disaster resilience, sustainability, and other objectives beneficial to society, according to one organization.
