In this issue:
ADVANCE YOUR CAREER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE! APPLY FOR AN ASME FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FELLOWSHIP, INCLUDING A NEW OPPORTUNITY AT USAID!
ASME is currently accepting applications for participation in its Federal Government Fellowship Program through which ASME members provide engineering and technical expertise to policy-makers in Congress. Federal Fellows provide a valuable public service to the nation, while at the same time providing engineers with a unique opportunity to participate directly in the public policy making process.
ASME Congressional Fellowships
ASME is seeking individuals interested in serving as a 2012-2013 Congressional Fellow, who would spend one year in Washington, D.C. working with the staff of a congressional committee, U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative. Congressional Fellowships are designed to demonstrate the value of engineering-government interaction, bring technical backgrounds and external perspectives to the decision making process in Congress and provide a unique public policy learning experience to the Fellow. Because of the limited number of Congressional Fellowships available, the process is very competitive. The following credentials are encouraged: at least five years of professional experience; an advanced engineering degree; professional engineer registration; and, some public policy experience.
United States Agency for International Development
This year, ASME is also pleased to announce a Federal Government Fellowship opportunity with the USAID, the principal federal agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.
USAID is currently developing Grand Challenges for Development in rain-fed agriculture and off grid, renewable energy for agriculture. The Office of Science & Technology seeks a fellow who can help drive the development of these two challenges, ensure that the problem statement is scientifically valid and rooted in the most current data and information, and liaise with the necessary and appropriate parties – both within and outside of USAID. The Fellow will be expected to provide scientific, technical, and intellectual leadership, and analytical support contributing to the advancement of the Grand Challenges effort. The Fellow will serve as a liaison with internal and external partners, helping USAID enhance its network of development solution providers. The Fellow will also serve as an engineering adviser to the Director of the Office of Science & Technology.
All ASME Fellows will be awarded a stipend of $60,000 for the one year Fellowship. ASME Federal Fellows typically serve from September through August, but a January through December term is sometimes an option. Applications are accepted annually from December 1st through March 31st. All Fellows must be U.S. citizens and ASME members at the time of application.
To apply for an ASME Congressional Fellowship, fill out the online application at https://secure.asme.org/fedgovfellows/appform.cfm and provide the requested materials. The application deadline is March 31, 2012.
For additional information about the ASME Federal Government Fellowship Program, visit
http://www.asme.org/NewsPublicPolicy/GovRelations/Programs/Federal_Government.cfm or contact Patti Jo Snyder, ASME Government Relations, at
snyderp@asme.org
ASME, IEEE, NSF, AND DISCOVER CONVENE NOONTIME CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON 'WIND ENERGY'
ASME recently partnered with IEEE-USA, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Discover magazine, to convene a congressional briefing entitled, “The Road to the New Energy Economy: Natural Gas and Turbine Technology.” This is the first in a new series of briefings planned for 2012 that highlighted various energy technologies. For more information about the previous briefing series, please see the July 5, 2011 Edition of Capitol Update.
Dr. Timothy L. Killeen the Assistant Director for Geosciences at the National Science Foundation, and a Past President American Geophysical Union moderated the event. Joining him for the briefing were:
- William P. Mahoney III, Deputy Director, Research Applications Laboratory National Center for Atmospheric Research;
- Dr. Saifur Rahman Director, Advanced Research Institute at Virginia Tech; and
- Rob Gramlich, Senior Vice President, Public Policy American Wind Energy Association.
This event was videotaped and will soon be available to view online at: http://discovermagazine.com/interactive/new-energy-economy/natural-gas/main.html#/home
Robert Rains handles public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at rainsr@asme.org
HOUSE SCIENCE PANEL EXAMINES NSF BUDGET REQUEST FOR FY 2013
On Tuesday, February 28, 2012, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Science Education held a hearing to examine the Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2013 (FY13) budget request for the National Science Foundation (NSF). Testifying before the panel were The Honorable Subra Suresh, Director, National Science Foundation, and The Honorable Ray Bowen, Chairman, National Science Board.
In his opening statement, Subcommittee Chairman Mo Brooks (R-AL) made the following observation: “Today, we will be examining the President’s FY 2013 budget request for NSF, which totals $7.4 billion, an increase of $340 million, or 4.8 percent, over the FY 2012 estimate. While my colleagues and I may disagree on the best priorities for federal research dollars, I am sure that we can all agree that support for basic research is important and essential to our economy. Basic research is an investment in America’s future. It is a productive, “job creator”. The fruits of that research create jobs and opportunities that often-times change our lives, but even this important endeavor must be undertaken in a fiscally responsible way in our current economic environment.”
The FY13 budget request for NSF is $7.4 billion, an increase of nearly 5 percent, or $340 million over the FY12 estimated level. The request continues to keep NSF on a doubling path for funding as set out in the America COMPETES Act and America COMPETES Reauthorization Act. The budget for NSF is divided into three main accounts: Research and Related Activities, Education and Human Resources, and Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction. The NSF FY13 budget request also includes funding requests for Agency Operations and Award Management, the National Science Board, and the Office of Inspector General.
The FY13 budget request includes over $5.9 billion for Research and Related Activities (RRA), an increase of $294 million or 5.2 percent over FY12. RRA is made up primarily of six disciplinary directorates: non-biomedical life sciences (BIO); computer sciences (CISE); engineering (ENG); geosciences (GEO); math and physical sciences (MPS); and social, behavioral, and economic sciences (SBE). The FY13 budget request provides an increase for each of these disciplinary directorates ranging from 2 percent for SBE to nearly 9 percent for CISE.
The FY13 budget request for Education and Human Resources (EHR) is $845.6 million, a $46.6 million or 5.6 percent increase over the FY12 level and the largest percentage increase for the agency. Significant increases in the FY13 budget request include $20 million, a $12 million or 150 percent increase over FY12, for the Widening Implementation and Demonstration of Evidence-based Reforms (WIDER)/E2 program and $20.5 million for a new Expeditions in Education (E2) initiative to engage, empower, and energize learners in STEM.
The FY13 budget request continues to flat fund the Robert Noyce Scholarship Program (NOYCE) at $54.9 million and decreases funding for the federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service/Cybercorps (SFS) program by 44 percent to $25 million. Likewise, the Administration’s budget request continues to place a high priority on Graduate Research Fellowships (GRF) by increasing the funding to $121.5 million, a 10.8 percent increase over the FY12 level, while significantly reducing funding for the Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship Program (IGERT) to $22.9 million, a 26.7 percent cut.
Additionally, the FY13 request includes the renaming of the Informal Science Education program, now referred to as the Advancing Informal STEM Learning program (AISL). The new name emphasizes planned changes to the program to fund projects that advance the field, highlight learning outside of school, are related to all fields of STEM education, and focus on learning by individuals of all ages. The FY13 request for AISL is $47.8 million, a decrease of $13.9 million or 22.1 percent from FY12.
The hearing charter may be read at: http://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/hearings/HHRG-112-SY14-20120228-SD001.pdf
To read the testimony submitted by both Subra Suresh, Director, National Science Foundation, and Ray Bowen, Chairman, National Science Board, please click here http://science.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-research-and-science-education-hearing-overview-nsf-budget-fy-2013
Chairman Brooks’ entire opening statement may be read at http://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/hearings/HHRG-112-SY14-WState-B001274-20120228.pdf
Paul Fakes handles public policy-related research and development (R&D) issues for ASME. He can be reached at: fakesp@asme.org
LEGISLATORS DISCUSS PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT
On Wednesday, February 29, 2011, the House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation convened a hearing to examine the principles of effective domestic and international standards development processes; analyze how the federal government, industry and other organizations promote these principles internationally; and, understand how standards may be used as technical barriers to trade.
Standards that are adopted with consensus among stakeholders provide market assurances that can enable the emergence of innovative technologies. Standards that are implemented without regard to technology or market penetration can inhibit innovation, trade, and competition. The timing of standardization is also important, especially with respect to emerging technologies. Stakeholders must weigh the benefits of market assurance through standardization versus the need to allow room for innovation and technology development.
Historically, standards development in the U.S. has followed a market-driven, voluntary consensus approach, as outlined in the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (P.L. 104-113), and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-119. This approach resulted in a standards development ecosystem where stakeholders engage with professional associations, standards development organizations (SDO), and standards consortia that have technical expertise in their respective product and service areas. Collectively these entities are known as Standards Setting Organizations (SSOs) and membership can consist of companies, federal agencies, non-profits, and other stakeholders. Through a consensus process, SSOs develop and adopt member-accepted standards.
In contrast to the market-driven approach to standards development that has mostly dominated in the U.S., some global trading partners historically have employed a more top-down approach to standards development the basis of which are political or regulatory factors. In many cases, companies are required to have locations or domestic industry partners in the host countries to participate in the standards development process. This approach makes it more difficult for U.S.-based Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) to participate in the standards development process, which results in the adoption of standards that often puts these SMEs at a competitive disadvantage, even in cases where an SME may utilize superior technology.
Witnesses’ testimony focused on the following topics:
- The principles of effective standards development;
- The role of both the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in the domestic and international standards development arenas;
- How companies engage in both domestic and international standards development;
- How companies have experienced the use of technical standards in countries to which they export; and,
- Actions the Federal government, SDOs, and other companies can take to minimize industry vulnerability to the use of standards as technical barriers to trade.
To view ASME’s Standards and Technical Barriers to Trade position statement please click here http://files.asme.org/asmeorg/NewsPublicPolicy/GovRelations/PositionStatements/27131.pdf
The written statement of each witness may be viewed at http://science.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-technology-and-innovation-hearing-promoting-innovation-competition-economic
The Subcommittee’s press release summarizing the hearing may be read at http://science.house.gov/press-release/voluntary-consensus-based-standards-promote-competition-economic-growth-witnesses-say
Robert Rains handles public policy-related standards issues for ASME. He can be reached at
rainsr@asme.org
SENATOR BINGAMAN INTRODUCES CLEAN ENERGY STANDARD LEGISLATION
On March 1st, retiring Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced legislation to modernize the nation’s power sector and guide it toward a future in which more and more electricity is generated with cleaner and cleaner energy. The Clean Energy Standard Act of 2012 (CES) sets a national goal for “clean energy.”
Under the plan, all generators of clean energy are given credits based upon their carbon emissions: greater numbers of credits are given to generators with lower emissions per unit of electricity. This framework allows a wide variety of sources (solar, wind, nuclear, natural gas, coal with carbon capture and storage, etc.) to be used to meet the standard, allows market forces to determine what the optimal mix of technologies and fuels should be, and makes it easy for new technologies to be incorporated.
To be considered “clean,” a generator must either be a zero-carbon source of energy, like renewables and nuclear power, or have a lower carbon intensity than a modern, efficient coal plant. (Carbon intensity is defined as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per megawatt-hour of electricity generated.) Accounting for “clean” this way means that the cleanest resources have the greatest incentive, and also that every generator has a continuing incentive to become even more efficient. In addition to driving cleaner electricity generation in the power sector, the CES also rewards industrial efficiency. Combined heat and power units generate electricity while also capturing and using the heat for other purposes. These units are treated as clean generators under the CES.
In his 2012 State of the Union address, President Obama again proposed creating a national “clean energy standard” that sets a goal of 80 percent of the country’s electricity by 2035. The issue did not gain much traction in 2011, partially because Congress appeared to be lukewarm to the idea. Colleagues, including Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have voiced some skepticism to the President’s plan. Co-sponsors of the bill include Senators Wyden (D-OR), Sanders (I-VT), Mark Udall (D-CO), Franken (D-MN), Coons (D-DE), Kerry (D-MA), Whitehouse (D-RI) and Tom Udall (D-NM).
For additional information on the CES, refer to the following:
Robert Rains handles public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at
rainsr@asme.org
ARPA-E HOLDS 2012 ENERGY INNOVATION SUMMIT FEATURING FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, BILL GATES, FRED SMITH AND LEE SCOTT
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) held its third annual ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit on February 27th – 29th. Former President Bill Clinton; Bill Gates, founder and chairman of Microsoft; Fred Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx; and Lee Scott, former CEO of Wal-Mart, joined DOE Secretary Steven Chu and ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar as distinguished keynote speakers.
Now in its third year, the Summit is designed to unite key players from all sectors of the nation’s energy innovation community to share ideas for developing and deploying the next generation of clean energy technologies. The event is co-hosted by ARPA-E and Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization (CTSI). Under the FY 2013 budget request, the ARPA-E program would receive $350 million, up 27.3 percent over the FY 2012 appropriation. ARPA-E Director Arun Majumdar was nominated last fall to become Undersecretary of the DOE, but has not yet been confirmed by the Senate. For more information please see the February 21, 2012 Edition of Capitol Update.
The event featured a technology showcase with more than 150 exhibits from ARPA-E-funded projects and applicants in areas such as grid-scale storage, power electronics, batteries for electric vehicles, building efficiency, advanced carbon capture and electrofuels. The showcase also featured new ARPA-E programs such as rare earth alternatives, plant engineering for fuel applications, advanced thermal storage, network integration architecture for the electrical grid, and power electronics for PV applications. A wide range of other energy technologies and new topic areas were also discussed at the Summit.
For additional information on the 2012 ARPA-E Summit, visit http://www.doe.gov/arpa-e-energy-innovation-summit
Robert Rains handles public policy-related energy issues for ASME. He can be reached at
rainsr@asme.org
NEW FUTURE INNOVATOR AWARD RECOGNIZES HIGH SCHOOL CREATIVITY IN SOLVING COMPLEX ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
FIRST ® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a not-for-profit organization founded by inventor Dean Kamen, announced today that participants on high school FIRST teams in North America can now compete for the chance to win recognition toward patenting a proposed invention in the newly created FIRST® Future Innovator Award presented by the Abbott Fund, the non-profit foundation of the global health care company, Abbott. The award provides FIRST ® Robotics Competition (FRC®) and FIRST ® Tech Challenge (FTC®) participants an opportunity to submit solutions to solve complex engineering challenges facing the world today, similar to the challenges set forth by the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges.
The FIRST Future Innovator Award will be judged by a panel of leading experts in the fields of engineering and patent law, including Dean Kamen and representatives from Abbott and others, to determine the winning idea. The winner will be announced during the FIRST Championship in St. Louis, Missouri on April 26-28, 2012. The winning student will be granted an award presented by the Abbott Fund and also will have the opportunity to meet with a venture capital firm for a real-world critique and discussion of their invention and possible business application.
The FIRST Future Innovator Award competition is open to all North American FRC and FTC teams officially registered for the current 2011/2012 FIRST competition season. The deadline for submissions will be noon, March 16, 2012, Eastern Standard Time. FIRST students are encouraged to make their submission as complete and as close to an official patent process as possible, including detailed written descriptions of the invention, photographs, and videos to capture their ideas. There is no limit to the number of submissions a student may make.
To learn more information about this new FIRST award go to: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/future-innovator-award
Melissa Carl handles public policy-related STEM issues for ASME. She can be reached at carlm@asme.org
THE ARTICLES CONTAINED IN CAPITOL UPDATE ARE NOT POSITIONS OF ASME OR ANY OF
ITS SUB-ENTITIES, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY NOTED AS SUCH. THIS PUBLICATION IS DESIGNED
TO INFORM ASME MEMBERS ABOUT ISSUES OF CONCERN BEING DEBATED AND DISCUSSED IN
THE HALLS OF CONGRESS, IN THE STATES, AND IN THE FEDERAL AGENCIES.
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