III 

114TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 562 

Expressing support for designation of the week of October 9, 2016, through 

October 15, 2016, as ‘‘Earth Science Week’’. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 

Ms. MURKOWSKI (for herself, Mr. ALEXANDER, Ms. CANTWELL, Mrs. CAPITO, 

Mr. CASSIDY, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. NELSON, Mr. PETERS, Mr. KING, Mr. 

MARKEY, and Mr. HEINRICH) submitted the following resolution; which 

was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 

SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 

Committee discharged; considered and agreed to 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for designation of the week of October 

9, 2016, through October 15, 2016, as ‘‘Earth Science 

Week’’. 

Whereas 2016 marks the 19th annual international Earth 

Science Week, designated by the American Geosciences 

Institute to help the public gain a better understanding 

of and appreciation for the Earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth; 

Whereas the theme of Earth Science Week for 2016, ‘‘Our 

Shared Geoheritage’’, promotes better understanding and 

appreciation of sites or areas with geologic features of 


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SRES 562 ATS 

significant scientific, educational, cultural, historic, or 

aesthetic value; 

Whereas the study of the Earth sciences leads to an improved 

understanding of the Earth’s natural systems and the 

interplay between human society and those systems; 

Whereas the Earth sciences enable the discovery, development, and responsible production of the mineral base of 

the United States, which contributes to the strength of 

the economy of the United States and raises the standard 

of living in the United States; 

Whereas geologic mapping and remote sensing technologies 

provide the foundational knowledge of Earth’s natural 

systems that is integral— 

(1) to the discovery, development, and conservation 

of energy, water, and natural resources; and 

(2) to the safe disposal of waste products; 

Whereas the geological aspects of resources, hazards, and the 

environment are vital to land management and land use 

decisions at the local, State, regional, national, and international levels; 

Whereas the Earth sciences provide the basis for locating, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating natural hazards, such 

as earthquakes, landslides, floods, droughts, wildfires, 

subsidence, hurricanes, coastal erosion, and volcanic 

eruptions; 

Whereas the Earth sciences are vital in protecting health and 

human safety during natural hazards events; 

Whereas Earth scientists working in marine environments 

contribute to the understanding of global oceans, enabling advances in food management, national security, 


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energy resources, transportation, economic growth, and 

recreation; 

Whereas the Earth sciences support the ability to manage 

healthy and productive soils and ocean and river waters 

and fisheries, the foundations of the food supply of the 

United States; 

Whereas the Earth sciences enhance understanding of current and past global conditions and offer a basis for anticipating future conditions; 

Whereas the Earth sciences contribute to understanding 

Earth as a planet in the solar system and the universe; 

Whereas Earth science research leads to the development of 

innovative new technologies and industries that fuel the 

economy of the United States and improve quality of life 

in the United States; 

Whereas Earth science researchers and educators drive creativity and passion for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (commonly known as 

‘‘STEM’’) fields among students of all ages through diverse and innovative education and public outreach efforts; 

Whereas geoscientists and researchers in the labs, universities, research institutions, and Federal agencies of the 

United States continually push the frontiers of human 

knowledge, help develop and incubate the concepts and 

programs that keep the companies and industries of the 

United States at the innovative forefront of the world’s 

economy, and inspire future generations of researchers, 

scientists, and informed citizens; and 


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Whereas the Earth sciences make vital contributions to an 

understanding of and respect for nature and the Earth: 

Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) supports the designation of the week of Oc3 tober 9, 2016, through October 15, 2016, as ‘‘Earth 

4 Science Week’’; 

5 (2) expresses strong support for the goals and 

6 ideals of Earth Science Week to increase the under7 standing of and interest in the Earth sciences at the 

8 local, State, national, and international levels; 

9 (3) recognizes the importance of education and 

10 public outreach efforts to ensure that the people of 

11 the United States gain a better understanding of 

12 and appreciation for the impact of the Earth 

13 sciences on their daily lives; 

14 (4) encourages K–12 students— 

15 (A) to participate in local, State, and na16 tional events in connection with Earth Science 

17 Week; and 

18 (B) to get involved in the celebration of 

19 Earth Science Week by exploring artistic and 

20 academic applications of the Earth sciences; 

21 and 


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1 (5) encourages the people of the United States 

2 to observe Earth Science Week with appropriate ac3 tivities— 

4 (A) to gain a better understanding of and 

5 appreciation for the Earth sciences; and 

6 (B) to encourage stewardship of the Earth. 

Æ 


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