U.S. Geological Survey
Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science (ACCCNRS)
In May 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey established the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science (ACCCNRS), under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. (5 U.S.C. Chapter 10). The Committee was chartered to:
- Advise on the contents of a national strategy identifying key science priorities to advance the management of natural resources in the face of climate change.
- Advise on the nature, extent, and quality of relations with and engagement of key partners at the regional/CSC level.
- Advise on the nature and effectiveness of mechanisms to ensure the identification of key priorities from management partners and to effectively deliver scientific results in useful forms.
- Advise on mechanisms that may be employed by the NCCWSC to ensure high standards of scientific quality and integrity in its products, and to review and evaluate the performance of individual CSCs, in advance of opportunities to re-establish expiring agreements.
- Coordinate as appropriate with any Federal Advisory Committee established for the DOI Landscape Conservation Cooperatives.
In June 2017, DOI allowed the charter of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science to expire.
Biden Administration (2021-2025)
N/A
First Trump Administration (2017-2021)
Elimination of ACCCNRS
In June 2017, DOI allowed the charter of the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science to expire.
Obama Administration (2009-2017)
ACCCRNS Reports and Progress Updates
In 2015, ACCCNRS submitted a Report to the Secretary of the Interior, recognizing accomplishments with the Climate Science Center program, and providing recommendations to clarify, focus, and enhance the program’s efforts. See Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science (ACCCNRS) - ScienceBase-Catalog. The Report also included the following:
- Actionable Science How-To Guide for Scientists
- Managers and Funders & executive summaries of a Guidebook for Traditional Knowledges
- Primer for Climate Change and Indigenuous Peoples
All documents can be downloaded from Key Reports - ScienceBase-Catalog.
Creation of ACCCRNS
In May 2013, the US Geological Survey chartered the Advisory Committee on Climate Change and Natural Resource Science (ACCCNRS) in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The committee’s role is to advise the Secretary of the Interior on US Geological Survey operations within the National Climate Change and Wildlife Center and the DOI Climate Science Centers. In July 2013, the “ACCCNRS Operating Procedures and Ground Rules” were published, outlining the general requirements of the committee including bi-annual meetings, the designation of a Federal Officer, and the establishment of scientific subcommittees. While the Committee is comprised of NGOs, local and state government officials, Native American Tribes and scientists, the USGS is the central body and provides administrative and logistical support.
National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources
In 2007, the Energy Independence and Security Act (Public Law 110–140; U.S. Congress, 2007) directed the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a national assessment of geologic storage resources for CO2 in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and State geological surveys. (42 U.S.C. § 17271)
In September 2013, USGS published the National Assessment of Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Resources.
Biden Administration (2021-2025)
N/A
First Trump Administration (2017-2021)
N/A
Obama Administration (2009-2017)
Between 2007 and 2012, USGS conducted a national assessment of geologic storage resources for carbon dioxide sequestration. This report was presented to Congress in 2013.