This intriguing press release just came across my reader.
Here are a few blurbs from the release ... I need to think some more about this.
In an article published in the journal Science, a group of former senior federal officials call for the establishment of an independent Earth Systems Science Agency (ESSA) to meet the unprecedented environmental and economic challenges facing the nation. They propose forming the new agency by merging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
My intitial gut reaction, for better or for worse, is that a combination of that sort would result in diminishing the component agencies signficantly. But, like I said ... that's just my gut ... it is often wrong.
Groat points to the breadth of capabilities the agency would possess. "The USGS, in bringing not only its geologic, biologic, hydrologic and geospatial expertise to the understanding of natural systems, but also its research capabilities in energy, mineral, water, and biologic resources, gives the new organization a comprehensive perspective on both environmental and resource systems. If we effectively link these capabilities with those of NOAA, we will have a powerful research institution," he says.
That's true. But, why is a merger necessary to create better linkage?
Hmmm ... I need to stew on this a bit more ... anyone have any thoughts?
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