State Science and Technology Policy Advice

Since World War II, the federal government has played a primary role in supporting scientific research and development. Nearly every policy issue is influenced by scientific and technical information, and numerous federal agencies exist to collect, pursue, and develop these ideas. However, there is never enough money in the federal budget to support all necessary scientific programs, so increasingly, scientific and technological research and development has been supported by individual states. This trend has certainly helped to increase the amount of research and development taking place, particularly that which has policy implications, but it is happening in an uncoordinated manner. This book presents a narrative summary of a national convocation to discuss the roles of science and technology on policies at the state level and to begin discussions on how to improve communication and coordination of these efforts.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

State Science and Technology Policy Advice: Issues, Opportunities, and Challenges
National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine of the National Academies
Q 127 .U5 S73 2008

Drawing Louisiana's New Map

The Louisiana coast is rich in sea life, a fertile agricultural area, and an ideal habitat for birds, reptiles, and mammals of many varieties. Over decades, humans have gravitated to this area, using levees, channels, and other built infrastructure to harness the Mississippi river, improve navigation and transportation routes, and make the area more habitable and profitable for themselves. While this was effective for some time, the disruptions to nature have had long-term consequences which have eroded the area's wetlands and depleted many of the natural resources there. Although wetland restoration efforts have been underway in Louisiana for some time, the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 offers an opportunity to accelerate the environmental restoration efforts during the reconstruction process. This book assesses what we currently know about the environment in coastal Louisiana and identifies current knowledge gaps. It puts forward a plan to further study coastal Louisiana and develop a plan for restoration projects there, including discussion of the feasibility of the proposals and recommendations for the future.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

Drawing Louisiana's New Map: Addressing Land Loss in Coastal Louisiana
Committee on the Restoration and Protection of Coastal Louisiana, Ocean Studies Board, Division on Earth and Life Studies, National Research Council of the National Academies
QH 76.5 .L8 D73 2006

International Water Security

Water is essential for all living things and is often the focus for all human life. However, managing this resource is incredibly challenging because most water supplies are shared. Although there have always been attempts to divide water resources fairly, state sovereignty and national security issues have often overshadowed the negotiations. Since World War II, international organizations have an increasing role in these discussions and domestic concerns have a growing influence on foreign policy. This collection of essays explores the threats that our world faces if we are unable to manage and share our water resources. At the same time, it uncovers opportunities that we may realize by effectively cooperating to ensure that there is water for all. Essays use the case study method, examining disputes, both past and present, in locations throughout the world.

This book can be found in HECSA Library:

International Water Security: Domestic Threats and Opportunities
ed. by Nevelina I. Pachova, Mikiyasu Nakayama, and Libor Jansky
HD 1691 .I54 2008