Dr. Conca reports that next month (April, 2016), scientists and engineers will descend on our national Capital to make their case to get funding for their critical science and technology projects. This is one of those ways our government works that few people know about, but that affects almost all of us. Every spring, when the Congress is deciding on the budget, interest groups of all types flock to Capitol Hill to make their case for issues of importance to their communities. Appropriations for Research and Development (R and D), education, agribusiness, Oil and Gas, and many other activities are a large part of these interests, especially at this time of year.
Among these groups is a coalition of educational institutions, professional scientific and engineering societies, and various companies focused on science and engineering. They call their initiative the SET CVD ... Science, Engineering and Technology Congressional Visits Day. Their visits this year are scheduled for April 12 and 13 and are open to everyone who believes that science and technology are critical to our national future. A big chunk of these visits are from the energy sector. The Fall omnibus bill just gave renewables another 5 years of their Production Tax Credits so they will have some free time to walk around the Mall. But others, including nuclear energy, are vying for limited funds and legislative influence in an election year.
If you support nuclear energy, the American Nuclear Society has a wealth of publicly available information that will help identify key issues and talking points. You can start with the ANS Public Information page. Also see the Meredith Angwin blog for details on a special option for members of the nuclear community. If you do not already do so, you may also want to start monitoring the ANS blog at the ANS Nuclear Cafe for thoughts on current issues such as these. The Center for Nuclear Science and Technology is another good source of information.
Original URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesconca/2016/03/01/nations-capital-is-ground-zero-for-rd-funding-fight/#4c54d2cbafb2
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