It is vital, for example, that Members of Congress and their environment and health legislative aides responsible to constituents be able to communicate rapidly with their congressional colleagues, and also have immediate access to experts in government agencies and private scientific institutions and organizations who can be helpful in developing public policy on environment and health issues. The same is true for key personnel in the federal and state agencies and many organizations, and their international colleagues. For example, the recent occurrence of harmful algal blooms, including Pfiesteria , have brought attention to the need for an improved communications system. Harmful algal blooms have affected, or have the potential to affect, all of the coastal areas of the United States. Congressional districts of 101 U.S. Representatives are on the coasts, as well the states of 44 Senators.
Many federal agencies have concerns.
This is only one example of the many environment and health problems that require a modern communications system to link policy makers and concerned citizens. After all the elements have been included, a print version of the directory will be developed, updated annually. Start-up funding for this project provided by the Rubin Shulsky Philanthropic Fund of the Jewish Communal Fund. General funding for staff support from the W. Alton Jones Foundation. Additional support provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an institute of the National Institutes of Health.