IV 
114TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 472 
Expressing support for designation of the week of October 11, 2015, through 
October 17, 2015, as ‘‘Earth Science Week’’. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
OCTOBER 8, 2015 
Mr. HONDA (for himself, Mr. LARSEN of Washington, Ms. NORTON, Mr. 
PERLMUTTER, Mr. TONKO, Mr. NADLER, Mr. KILMER, Mr. SERRANO, 
Ms. EDWARDS, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. 
HECK of Washington, Mr. POLIS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. 
LOWENTHAL, Mrs. DAVIS of California, Mr. CA´RDENAS, Ms. BONAMICI, 
Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. PETERS, Mr. KEATING, Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. TED 
LIEU of California, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. COSTA, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. KEN-
NEDY, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. SWALWELL of California, 
Mr. FARR, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Mr. MCNERNEY, Mr. TAKANO, 
and Mr. TAKAI) submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to 
the Committee on Education and the Workforce, for a period to be subse-
quently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such 
provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for designation of the week of October 
11, 2015, through October 17, 2015, as ‘‘Earth Science 
Week’’. 
Whereas this year marks the 18th annual international Earth 
Science Week, designated by the American Geosciences 
Institute to help the public gain a better understanding 
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•HRES 472 IH 
and appreciation for the earth sciences and to encourage 
stewardship of the Earth; 
Whereas the theme for 2015, ‘‘Visualizing Earth Systems’’, 
promotes better public understanding of Earth’s natural 
systems by showing data and observations in an illus-
trative manner; 
Whereas the study of earth sciences leads to an improved un-
derstanding of the Earth’s natural systems and the inter-
play between human society and these systems; 
Whereas the earth sciences are integral to the discovery, de-
velopment, and conservation of energy, water, and nat-
ural resources and to the safe disposal of waste products; 
Whereas the earth sciences provide the basis for mitigating 
natural hazards such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, 
coastal erosion, hurricanes, and landslides; 
Whereas understanding earth science is essential to the de-
sign and safe construction of buildings and infrastruc-
ture; 
Whereas earth scientists study and interpret the Earth, the 
ocean, its environment, and life as they have changed 
through time; 
Whereas the earth sciences enhance our understanding of 
current and past global conditions, and offer a basis for 
anticipating future conditions; 
Whereas the ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface 
and provides 99 percent of the Earth’s habitat, more 
than 50 percent of the United States population is found 
within coastal counties, and earth scientists working in 
marine environments contribute to the understanding of 
our global ocean and river systems enabling advance-
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•HRES 472 IH 
ments in food management, national security, energy re-
sources, transportation, economy, and recreation; 
Whereas the earth sciences support our ability to manage 
healthy and productive soils and ocean and river waters 
and fisheries, the foundation for our Nation’s food sup-
ply; 
Whereas the earth sciences contribute to our understanding 
of Earth as a planet in our solar system and the uni-
verse; 
Whereas earth science research leads to the development of 
innovative new technologies and industries that fuel the 
American economy and improve our quality of life; 
Whereas earth science researchers and educators drive cre-
ativity and passion for the Science, Technology, Engi-
neering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields among students 
of all ages through diverse and innovative education and 
public outreach efforts; 
Whereas geological aspects of resources, hazards, and envi-
ronment are vital to land management and land use deci-
sions at local, State, regional, national, and international 
levels; 
Whereas geoscientists and researchers in our Nation’s labs, 
universities, research institutions, and Federal agencies, 
including USGS, NASA, NOAA, NPS, NSF, and DOE, 
continually push the frontiers of human knowledge of the 
world around us, help develop and incubate the concepts 
and programs that keep United States companies and in-
dustries at the innovative forefront of the world’s econ-
omy, and inspire future generations of researchers, sci-
entists, and informed citizens; and 
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•HRES 472 IH 
Whereas the earth sciences make vital contributions to our 
understanding of and respect for nature and our home 
planet: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘Earth Science 
Week’’; 
(2) expresses strong support for the goals and 
ideals of Earth Science Week and its aims to in-
crease understanding of and interest in earth science 
at the local, State, national, and international levels; 
(3) recognizes the importance of education and 
public outreach efforts to ensure the United States 
public gains a better understanding and appreciation 
for the impact of the earth sciences on their daily 
lives; 
(4) encourages K–12 students to participate in 
local, State, and national events in connection with 
Earth Science Week and to get involved in the cele-
bration by exploring artistic and academic applica-
tions of earth science; and 
(5) encourages the people of the United States 
to observe Earth Science Week with appropriate ac-
tivities to gain a better understanding and apprecia-
tion for the earth sciences and to encourage steward-
ship of the Earth. 
Æ 
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