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• Observations on the Behavior of Storm Surge, Waves and Flooding on the Mississippi Coast, Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Protocol Study

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  "The purpose of this protocol study was to gather observations from local people on the Mississippi Coast regarding the way Hurricane Katrina's surge came ashore on August 29, 2005. This approach of collecting verbal accounts and real-time photography, if developed into an established protocol, could be used to inform modelers and researchers, and possibly increase accuracy of surge, wave and flood models and maps. Local information may be particularly useful where a computer model may not perform accurately because of the inherent variability of a hurricane and because of complex bathymetric and topographic areas along the path of the hurricane. For the most part, Western science in the past decades has not recognized the local knowledge of indigenous and long-time residents as providing valid contributions to the realm of science. Most often this local source of information has been ignored or dismissed because it is acquired in ways other than quantitative cause-and-effect hypothesis-testing. Now, however, these peoples' stories of natural phenomena on the land and water are being sought out as a source of important information. Most commonly indigenous knowledge is being gathered and reported by the scientific community regarding wildlife populations and behavior. In the arctic, knowledge held by indigenous people, particularly elders and hunters, is an important source of information in the study of climate change, especially in relation to ice and snow behavior and wind and sea conditions over time."

  United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency

  Deschu, Nancy

  2006-05
• FM 3-24.2: Tactics in Counterinsurgency

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  "This field manual establishes doctrine (fundamental principles) for tactical counterinsurgency (COIN) operations at the company, battalion, and brigade level. It is based on lessons learned from historic counterinsurgencies and current operations. This manual continues the efforts of FM 3-24, Counterinsurgency, in combining the historic approaches to COIN with the realities of today's operational environment (OE)--an environment modified by a population explosion, urbanization, globalization, technology, the spread of religious fundamentalism, resource demand, climate change and natural disasters, and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. […]. Chapter 1, Operational Environment of Counterinsurgency, defines insurgent and counterinsurgent while using the operational variables and mission variables to describe the OE. […]. Chapter 2, Foundations of Insurgency, categorizes insurgent groups by their components-- elements, dynamics, and strategies and their manifestations--tactics, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Chapter 3, Foundations of Counterinsurgency, covers the seven lines of effort, tactical considerations, clear-hold-build operations, and counterinsurgency phases. Chapter 4, Planning in Counterinsurgency, arguably the most important chapter, covers planning for tactical units during counterinsurgency operations. It also covers planning horizons and targeting. Chapter 5, Offensive Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses offensive techniques used by tactical units during counterinsurgency operations. Chapter 6, Defensive Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses defensive techniques used by tactical units during counterinsurgency operations. Chapter 7, Stability Operations in Counterinsurgency, addresses stability techniques used by tactical units during counterinsurgency operations. Chapter 8, Working with Host Nation Security Forces, covers the seven steps (MORTEAM) units use to train, advise, and partner with Host Nation security forces."

  United States. Department of the Army

  2009-04
• Natural Hazard Mitigation and Insurance: The United States and Selected Countries Have Similar Natural Hazard Mitigation Policies but Different Insurance Approaches, Statement of Orice M Williams, Director, GAO Financial Markets and Community Investment, Report to Congressional Requesters, United States House of Representatives, December 22, 2008

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  The focus of this GAO (Government Accountability Office) report is to "(1) identify policies used by other countries to reduce losses caused by natural hazards; (2) examine the extent of international cooperation among selected countries, including the United States, to mitigate natural hazards; and (3) identify approaches that other industrialized countries use to insure natural hazard risk and regulate insurers. The briefing slides that we presented to committee staff on November 4, 2008, on the results of our review are reproduced in enclosure I of this report. [...] Natural hazards adversely affect hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year and cause extensive property damage. In 2007, a year that was not considered an exceptional one for natural hazards, natural hazards caused an estimated 14,600 deaths and $70 billion in property losses. For that year, the insurance industry covered $23.3 billion in losses. In catastrophic loss years, such as 2005--the year that saw Hurricane Katrina--losses can be far greater. Scientific assessments indicate that climate change is expected to alter the frequency and severity of natural hazard events, and as a result, losses can be expected to climb. Given this scenario, examining policies that are used in other countries to reduce the loss of life and property caused by natural hazard events and examining insurance approaches that provide coverage for natural hazard losses can help identify practices in both areas that could benefit the United States. Similarly, given the ongoing challenges facing the United States, international cooperative efforts may provide instructive examples of risk management and disaster reduction."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2008-12-22
• Nuclear and Solar Energy: Implications for Homeland Security

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  "In the eyes of many experts, the world is moving away from oil as a cheap energy source. As this future unfolds, the United States may perform a leading role as the planet's premier energy consumer. Solar and nuclear power provide possibilities for this future which represent the extremes in terms of energy supply. The question this thesis asks is: what are the security implications of a substantial shift in energy policy in either a solar or nuclear direction? The analysis begins with a question, 'What is a substantial shift?' and defines substantial in terms of energy shortage, energy independence, and climate change. The proposed energy futures to match these shifts are then judged with respect to three security criteria: resource access, nuclear weapons proliferation, and infrastructure protection. Accepting many uncertainties with future economic and technical solutions (even as proven systems are proposed), solar power provides the most stable future in terms of security alone. However, because these options are not mutually exclusive, both cases offer security challenges which are addressed in the concluding recommendations."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Thibeaux, Allen L.

  2008-12
• Alaska Native Villages: Limited Progress Has Been Made on Relocating Villages Threatened by Flooding and Erosion

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  "In December 2003, GAO reported that most of Alaska's more than 200 Native villages were affected to some degree by flooding and erosion (GAO-04-142). Since 2003, state officials have identified the growing impacts of climate change, increasing the urgency of federal and state efforts to identify imminently threatened villages and assess their relocation options. GAO was asked to report on (1) the flooding and erosion threats that Alaska Native villages currently face, (2) the federal programs that are available to assist villages facing potential disasters, (3) the status of village relocation efforts, and (4) how federal assistance to relocating villages is prioritized. GAO interviewed and gathered documentation from federal and state agency officials as well as regional organizations and village representatives." Recommendations: "Congress may want to consider (1) directing the Corps to conduct a flooding assessment in Alaska to augment the Corps' recently completed erosion assessment; (2) amending the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to allow 64 additional villages to be eligible grant recipients; and (3) designating, or creating, a lead federal entity that could work in conjunction with the lead state agency to coordinate and oversee village relocation efforts."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2009-06
• National Plant Genome Initiative: Progress Report January 2008

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  "This report is an annual update from the Interagency Working Group (IWG) on Plant Genomes on activities of the National Plant Genome Initiative (NPGI). This year, it includes highlights that illustrate activities supported and coordinated by the NPGI member agencies. Plant genomics research in the United States continues to advance the frontiers of plant biology, addressing fundamental biological questions using the tools, resources and conceptual framework of genomics. Exciting new discoveries over the past year include the finding that genetic variants of tropical corn (maize) have novel sugar composition with potential uses for biofuel production. Outcomes from research supported under the NPGI are also providing important inputs for improved agricultural practices in peanut breeding, fruit tree cultivar development, as well as breeding of disease resistant and salt tolerant plants. Technological advances made in the past year include the development of innovative technology to enable automated, high-throughput analysis of plant growth and development and a novel X-ray system to analyze root development. Continued advances in both biological discovery as well as technology development will be important as reliance on plants increases for materials, energy and fuels. Plants will continue to serve as a key resource as we address the challenges of increasing population, decreasing agricultural land area, and the impacts of climate change. U.S. scientists involved in plant genomics research continue to cooperate nationally and internationally."

  National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)

  2008-01
• Seeds of a Perfect Storm: Genetically Modified Crops and the Global Food Security Crisis

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  This is the inaugural lecture in the Jefferson Fellows Distinguished Lecture Series by Nina Fedoroff, Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State and to the Administrator of USAID. From the text: "The successes of the first Green Revolution have supported rapid economic development in many countries. These advances out of poverty have stimulated demand for more meat, expanding the acreage used to grow animal feed. Oil is getting expensive, driving up the cost of fertilizer: it takes energy to crack apart the nitrogen molecules in the air and convert them to the forms that plants can use. And now that the world has decided that plants must fuel not just animals and people, but cars as well, it is perhaps not altogether surprising that food prices suddenly spiked. […]. There is a very real food crisis and it weighs most heavily on the poorest countries. There have been food riots around the world. The prices of basic grains has come down a bit in recent months, but they remain at levels that mean that people in the poorest countries not only eat less, but turn to less nutritious diets. Is there a quick solution? Probably not. This is definitely not a crisis of the sort that can be addressed simply through a transient increase in food aid. It is the coming reality for a world increasingly limited in natural resources and water facing a changing climate and a growing population. So what stands in the way of another Green Revolution? There are parts of the world that are, by now, two scientific generations behind the leading edge in agriculture."

  United States. Department of State

  Fedoroff, Nina

  2008-10-17
• President Bush Signs H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

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  From the text: "As Sam mentioned, I firmly believe this country needs to have a comprehensive energy strategy, and I appreciate the members of Congress for understanding that as well. Two years ago I was pleased to stand with members--many of whom are here--to sign a bill that was the first major energy security legislation in more than a decade. At the time I recognized that we needed to go even further. And so in my State of the Union I proposed an aggressive plan to reduce oil consumption of gasoline by 20 percent over 10 years. Today we make a major step with the Energy Independence and Security Act. We make a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding the production of renewable fuels and giving future generations of our country a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2007-12-19
• Scenarios of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Atmospheric Concentrations, CCSP Synthesis and Assessment Product 2.1, Part A

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  "This report presents research from Synthesis and Assessment Product 2.1a of the Climate Change Science Program, Scenarios of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Atmospheric Concentrations. The scenarios in this research product are designed to stabilize the influence of a suite of greenhouse gases (GHGs)-carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-on the Earth's radiation balance, measured in terms of radiative forcing. Four radiative forcing stabilization levels are considered. The resulting atmospheric concentrations of the largest single contributor, CO2, are roughly 450, 550, 650 and 750 ppmv. In response to the Prospectus for this research product, this report presents scenarios with an emphasis on (1) GHG emissions trajectories, (2) global and U.S. energy system implications, and (3) economic implications of stabilization."

  Climate Change Science Program (U.S.)

  2006-12-06
• Multiyear Federal Research Plan for Particulate Matter: Within the Context of the NRC's Committee on Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter's Report IV

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  "This report was prepared by the Air Quality Research Subcommittee (AQRS) of the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR). [...] In this report, the AQRS evaluates particulate matter (PM) research being conducted or planned across the federal government against the findings and recommendations of the National Research Council (NRC) report, Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter: IV, published in 2004. In addition, this document describes the organizational role of the AQRS for ensuring that the many PM related research projects conducted or supported by the government address the priorities, issues, and challenges identified in the NRC report. It profiles agency research being done under each of the ten topic areas identified in the NRC report, establishes research milestones for major agency-specific research contributions, establishes a process for periodic progress review and refinement, and identifies organizational roles and responsibilities in coordinating cross-agency research. In describing ongoing and planned research, the report provides a description of the broad scope of federal research related to this important issue and identifies areas where additional research attention will be beneficial. [...] Airborne particulate matter (PM*) is widely recognized as a serious environmental and public health concern at levels typical of some U.S. metropolitan areas. EPA estimates that current regulations to reduce air pollution can prevent tens of thousands of premature deaths per year and prevent perhaps hundreds of thousands of annual hospitalizations for cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. PM obscures scenic vistas in our National Parks and Wilderness Areas, and has an impact on global climate change by perturbing the Earth's radiation balance."

  National Science and Technology Council (U.S.)

  2007-04
• Weekly Address: President Obama Says Nations Must Unite to Overcome Global Challenges [April 11, 2009]

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  "In his weekly address [April 11, 2009], President Barack Obama extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating this week's Passover and Easter holidays and called on nations around the world to come together to solve the current trials facing the world. On the heels of his weeklong trip overseas, the President said he believes it is important to acknowledge no single nation can solve global problems like a recession, international terrorism, climate change, or nuclear proliferation. But, working with other nations, the United States can lead the way in overcoming these challenges."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-04-11
• Weekly Address: President Obama Says Progress on Clean Energy and Healthcare Reform Will Lay New Foundation [May 16, 2009]

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  In this weekly address from May 16, 2009, President Obama "praised individuals representing different perspectives for coming together to address the challenges of building a clean energy economy, reforming the healthcare system and laying a new foundation for the long-term strength of our economy. Utility companies and corporate leaders are working with environmental advocates and labor leaders to find a way to reduce dependence on foreign oil, to fight climate change, and to create millions of new jobs in America. Recently, past critics and advocates of healthcare reform sat down with the President to work on reducing the healthcare costs by $2 trillion in the next decade and saving families $2,500 in the coming years."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-05-16
• Readout on the President's Meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Aso [February 24, 2009]

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  "President Obama today held in-depth consultations with the Prime Minister of Japan on the global economic crisis and other areas for bilateral cooperation. The President underscored his firm commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and called for continued progress in modernizing the Alliance by implementing the joint realignment initiative. The two leaders agreed to work closely and urgently, as the world's leading economies, to stimulate demand at home and abroad, to help other countries respond to the global crisis, to unfreeze credit markets, and to seek concrete results from the April London Economic Summit and through the G-8. They agreed fully on the need to resist protectionism. With respect to regional issues, they pledged to work closely through the Six-Party process to verifiably eliminate North Korea's nuclear program and to deal with the problem of North Korea's missiles, as well as other matters including Japan's abducted citizens. Noting the importance of stabilizing Afghanistan, President Obama expressed appreciation for Japan's extensive contributions to date and strongly welcomed Japan's intention to play a greater role in assisting Afghanistan as well as Pakistan to improve security and economic development. The two leaders both saw climate change as a priority for both nations and discussed ways of working together, including in an effort to assist developing nations. They pledged to build on the strong record of joint research and development on clean energy technology."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-02-24
• President's Calls to Foreign Leaders [January 23, 2009]

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  This White House Press Office release provides information on President Obama's January 23, 2009 calls to foreign leaders. "This afternoon, President Obama made phone calls to three foreign leaders and to the Secretary General of the United Nations. Prime Harper of Canada. President Obama thanked Prime Minister Harper for his congratulations on the inauguration. He reiterated his appreciation for Canada's friendship and his commitment to travel to Canada as his first foreign visit as President. He discussed the shared challenges we face in Afghanistan, on climate change and in confronting the worsening global economy. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. President Obama underscored the importance of a strong U.S.-Saudi relationship. He underscored his appreciation for King Abdullah's leadership on the Arab Peace Initiative, the Interfaith Dialogue and for the pledge of assistance to the Palestinian Authority. He asked for Saudi support for efforts to stop weapons smuggling into Gaza and expressed interest in continuing counter-terrorism cooperation..."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-01-23
• Readout on the President's Calls to Foreign Leaders [January 27, 2009]

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  This document is a White House Press Office release from January 27, 2009 regarding President Obama's calls to foreign leaders. "The President had a warm, positive conversation with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. This was the first time they have spoken since the President's inauguration. They had previously spoken during the campaign and after the election. The President and Prime Minister discussed their respective responses to the global economic crisis and how they are dealing with the domestic consequences in their countries and the international impact. They also discussed how the two countries can cooperate further on issues such as climate change and nuclear proliferation. The President also had a good conversation with Colombian President Uribe. This was the first time they have spoken since the President's inauguration. They had previously spoken during the campaign and after the election. President Obama stated his desire to work together closely and with other regional leaders to improve the U.S. relationship with Latin America. The two presidents discussed cooperation between the U.S. and Colombia on counternarcotics, security, and human rights. President Obama reassured President Uribe that the United States will continue to support Colombia's efforts to improve its security and prosperity."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-01-27
• Fact Sheet: APEC Leaders Meeting--Key Accomplishments [November 15, 2009]

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  "On November 15, President Obama participated in the 17th Annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' meeting in Singapore. APEC members account for 53% of global GDP, purchase 58% of U.S. goods exports, and represent a market of 2.7 billion consumers. In 2008, U.S. goods exports to the Asia-Pacific totaled $747 billion, an increase of 8.3% over 2007. During that same period, U.S. services exports to the region totaled $186.5 billion, up 7.7 percent." The following are some of the key accomplishments discussed in the press release: "U.S. Hosting of APEC in 2011; Balanced, Sustainable, and Inclusive Growth; Regional Economic Integration; Facilitating Trade; Supporting the Multilateral Trading System; Climate Change; Low Carbon and Green Growth; Food Security, Food Safety, and Secure Trade."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-15
• Fact Sheet: U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Clean Energy Technologies [November 11, 2009]

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  "President Obama and Prime Minister Hatoyama met on November 13, 2009 in Tokyo. The two leaders affirmed the intent of the United States and Japan, as the two leading global investors in energy research and development, to expand already strong cooperative activities in technology research and development to provide solutions to the challenges of global energy security and climate change." This press release includes the "initial areas for joint activities to strengthen their cooperation."

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2009-11-11
• White House Council on Environmental Quality: Interim Report of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force

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  "A national policy that ensures the protection, maintenance, and restoration of the health of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems and resources, enhances the sustainability of ocean and coastal economies, preserves our maritime heritage, provides for adaptive management to enhance our understanding of and capacity to respond to climate change, and is coordinated with our national security and foreign policy interests. The recommendation should prioritize upholding our stewardship responsibilities and ensuring accountability for all of our actions affecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources, and be consistent with international law, including customary international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. A United States framework for policy coordination of efforts to improve stewardship of the oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. The Task Force should review the Federal Government's existing policy coordination framework to ensure integration and collaboration across jurisdictional lines in meeting the objectives of a national policy for the oceans, our coasts and the Great Lakes. This will include coordination with the work of the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council as they formulate and coordinate policy involving national and homeland security, including maritime security. The framework should also address specific recommendations to improve coordination and collaboration among Federal, State, tribal and local authorities, including regional governance structures."

  Council on Environmental Quality (U.S.)

  2009-09-10
• Environmental Protection Agency: Major Management Challenges, Report to the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives

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  "The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) overarching mission is to protect human health and the environment by implementing and enforcing environmental laws intended to improve the quality of the nation's air and water and to protect its land. EPA's policies and programs affect virtually all segments of the economy, society, and government. As such, it operates in a highly complex and controversial regulatory arena. In recent years, GAO has identified several key challenges EPA faces and corrective actions that would enable the agency to more effectively accomplish its mission. GAO was asked to identify challenges at EPA that hinder its ability to implement its programs effectively, based on prior GAO work. These challenges include (1) improving agency-wide management, (2) transforming EPA's processes for assessing and controlling toxic chemicals,(3) improving implementation of the Clean Air Act, (4) reducing pollution in the nation's waters, (5) speeding the pace of cleanup at Superfund and other hazardous waste sites, and (6) addressing emerging climate change issues."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2009-03-04
• Readout of Carol Browner's Meeting with BP Executives [June 24, 2010]

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  This is a readout of the June 24, 2010 meeting between Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change Carol Browner and British Petroleum executives Bob Dudley, Lamar KcKay, David Nagel and Karen St. John. It is in regards to the Deepwater Horizon Gulf Coast oil spill.

  United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary

  2010-06-24
• Coal Power Plants: Opportunities Exist for DOE to Provide Better Information on the Maturity of Key Technologies to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Report to Congressional Requesters

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  "Coal power plants generate about half of the United States' electricity and are expected to remain a key energy source. Coal power plants also account for about one-third of the nation's emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the primary greenhouse gas that experts believe contributes to climate change. Current regulatory efforts and proposed legislation that seek to reduce CO2 emissions could affect coal power plants. Two key technologies show potential for reducing CO2 emissions: (1) carbon capture and storage (CCS), which involves capturing and storing CO2 in geologic formations, and (2) plant efficiency improvements that allow plants to use less coal. The Department of Energy (DOE) plays a key role in accelerating the commercial availability of these technologies and devoted more than $600 million to them in fiscal year 2009. Congress asked GAO [Government Accountability Office] to examine (1) the maturity of these technologies; (2) their potential for commercial use, and any challenges to their use; and (3) possible implications of deploying these technologies. To conduct this work, GAO reviewed reports and interviewed stakeholders with expertise in coal technologies."

  United States. Government Accountability Office

  2010-06
• Sustainability and Efficiency Task Force Recommendations, February 2010

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  "America's security is closely intertwined with its energy use. A wisely planned sustainability policy that addresses issues of economy, conservation, and future viability will allow the United States to move toward a safer and more secure future by reducing its dependence on foreign energy sources, increasing its dependence on renewable and low-carbon energy sources, and increasing its resilience in the face of disaster. This report by the Sustainability and Efficiency Task Force (SETF) - an independent advisory board comprised of sustainability experts from around the nation - outlines a strategy through which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can adopt sustainable practices, decrease reliance on foreign oil, limit contribution to climate change, and address fiscal concerns in a way that strengthens the DHS mission and enhances the overall security of the nation. To achieve these objectives, the Task Force recommends a number of immediate measures DHS should pursue as first steps on the road to sustainability. There is no federal agency better positioned to demonstrate the inseparability of sustainability and national security. Equally important, as this report will show, DHS is in a unique position to set the national paradigm for a sustainable, secure, and resilient future."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2010-02
• Recovery Through Retrofit

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  "Making American homes and buildings more energy efficient presents an unprecedented opportunity for communities throughout the country. The Recovery Through Retrofit Report builds on investments made in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) to expand the home energy efficiency and retrofit market. Home retrofits can potentially help people earn money, as home retrofit workers, while also helping them save money, by lowering their utility bills. By encouraging nationwide weatherization of homes, workers of all skill levels will be trained, engaged, and will participate in ramping up a national home retrofit market. There are almost 130 million homes in this country. Combined, they generate more than 20 percent of our nation's carbon dioxide emissions, making them a significant contributor to global climate change. Existing techniques and technologies in energy efficiency retrofitting can reduce home energy use by up to 40 percent per home and lower associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually by the year 2020. Furthermore, home energy efficiency retrofits have the potential to reduce home energy bills by $21 billion annually, paying for themselves over time. By implementing Recovery Through Retrofit's recommendations, the Federal Government will lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining home energy efficiency retrofit industry. This Report provides a roadmap of how the Federal Government can use existing authorities and funds to unlock private capital and mobilize our communities."

  United States. Executive Office of the President; United States. Office of the Vice President

  2009-10
• 2007-2011 Region 10 Strategy: Our Vision: A Helathy, Sustainable Environment for All

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  This document provides "strategy [that] applies to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and the approximately two hundred seventy Tribal governments in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. It has been developed in consideration of the [Environmental Protection Agency] EPA Administrator's four priorities, the EPA National Strategy, employee input received through an environmental survey; perspectives of our state, tribal, federal and local partners; and the Region 10 mission, vision and values. Looking back to the 2005-2006 time-frame, the Region 10 plan included seven regional priorities: Columbia River Basin, Tribal Environmental Health, Oil and Gas in Alaska and Mining, Diesel Emissions, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane River Basins, Puget Sound Basin, and Grants Management. You will find these priorities worked into our new plan as part of a larger area of emphasis. At the start of our planning process we revised and re-affirmed our mission, vision and values. We believe that an organization is like a tree, it must be rooted in deeply held values, with all employees sharing a common mission, vision and values. Our values will be reflected in the way we implement this strategy. For fiscal years 2007-2011, Region 10 will focus on the following six strategic endeavors:" support the core; clean, affordable energy and climate change; enhancing tribal environments; protecting and restoring watersheds; sustainability and strategic partnerships; and a stronger EPA.

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency. Region X

  2007-07
• Reducing The Nuclear Danger

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  The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction represents a major challenge to our national security. Reducing the nuclear danger is one of the primary goals of the United States national security strategy and it is a cornerstone of the Department's vision of the future. To meet this challenge, our Nation draws upon the same foundation of scientific and technological skills that helped bring a successful end to the Gold War. The Department, drawing upon many of the Nation's best and most innovative scientists, provides essential support for the changing global political climate that has guided the Department's adaptation to the new era. Reducing the global nuclear danger, responding with programs that build upon and enhance the strengths of the Department's complex and the National Laboratories, and emphasizing commitments to environment, safety, and health, are the essence of the Department's national security strategy. The nuclear danger is now defined differently than it was just five years ago. Initiatives to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation, improve nuclear reactor safety, safeguard and dispose of nuclear materials and maintain confidence in our nuclear weapons deterrent without nuclear testing have surged to the forefront.

  U.S. Atomic Energy Commission

  1995-10
• What Are the Security Threats to Further Development of Nuclear Power Plants in the U.S.?

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  "What are the security threats to further development of nuclear power plants in the U.S.? The U.S. stands alone today in terms of the vast nuclear armory at its disposal. It is clear we know something about how to build nuclear weapons, and yet, we are not world leaders in the field of nuclear power. Nuclear energy has the potential to be an alternative fuel source that would be sustainable and economical. Nuclear power is controversial in the U.S. because it raises issues of domestic energy policy, funding, regulation, safety, and especially security. In turn it can affect U.S. investments, foreign policy, economy, and jobs. As America struggles with its dependence on foreign oil, we must seek alternative fuel sources. The President has made energy a priority and is pushing for a 'clean energy economy.' Not to pursue alternative fuel sources will directly impact our ability to be economically competitive, as other countries will have cheaper electricity for manufacturing and services. We need to protect the U.S. from economic and strategic risks associated with our reliance on foreign oil. We also need to address the destabilizing effects of a changing climate, Internet is heavily impacted by our energy use."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Nottestad, Tammie L.

  2010-03
• Planning for Flood Recovery and Long-Term Resilience in Vermont: Smart Growth Approaches for Disaster-Resilient Communities

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  From the Executive Summary: "Flooding from extreme storm events has affected many communities across the country, causing billions of dollars of damage annually. Moreover, climate change projections suggest that storms will likely become more powerful in many regions of the country in the future. In light of these trends, many communities are recognizing the need to improve disaster recovery and long-term flood resilience planning. [...] Smart growth and more environmentally and economically sustainable approaches to development can help communities become more resilient to future flooding by protecting vulnerable undeveloped lands, siting development in safer locations, and designing development so it is less likely to be damaged in a flood. Communities that identify areas that are safer for development and then implement smart growth approaches in those areas will be most successful at creating more flood-resilient places. EPA's assistance provided options for communities and the state to consider as they work to recover, rebuild, and plan for a more resilient future."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2014-07
• Smart Growth: A Guide to Developing and Implementing Greenhouse Gas Reductions Programs

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  From the Executive Summary: "Community design--including factors such as physical layout; proximity and accessibility to goods, services, workplaces, and schools; and the materials and designs used in building and infrastructure--affects energy consumption and vehicle use, and thus greenhouse gas emissions. By addressing these factors through planning, application of smart growth principles, measures to reduce urban heat islands, and other initiatives, local and regional governments can encourage economic development while preserving their open spaces and critical environmental habitats, protecting water and air quality, and helping to mitigate climate change. Community planning and design programs generally act to reduce energy demand, as opposed to increasing energy efficiency. For example, by promoting mixed-use development and public transportation, communities can reduce the need for residents to drive a car for shopping, commuting to work, or getting to and from school. Similarly, measures to reduce the urban heat island effect, such as planting shade trees or installing cool roofs, reduce a community's cooling energy requirements.T he community planning and design guides in this series describe the process of developing and implementing strategies, using real-world examples, which apply the principles of smart growth or take steps to reduce the urban heat island effect."

  United States. Environmental Protection Agency

  2011
• H Rept. 116-294: Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act of 2019, Report Together with Dissenting Views to Accompany H.R. 3541 Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, November 15, 2019

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  From the Purpose of the Bill: "The purpose of H.R. 3541 is to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation preparedness and response program, and for other purposes."

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2019-11-15
• United States Foreign Policy Failures toward Revolutionary Iran: Miscalculating Tehran's Power Projection and Ignoring the National Character of the Iranian People

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  "The challenges that Iran poses are, arguably, some of the most significant foreign policy issues leading Washington's agendas today. Iran's power projection and regional ambitions, according to many American politicians and social scientists, defy the U.S. and its allies in the region. However, more than three decades of U.S. foreign policies towards Iran, including economic sanctions, political pressure and intimidation have neither altered the Islamic authority's aggressive diplomacy nor achieved regime change; instead, these foreign policy choices--by arousing nationalist sentiment and revealing a collective sense of discontent toward American policies among many Iranians--have actually facilitated hardliners in gaining public support. In this context, this thesis, by assessing the lessons learned from previous U.S. strategies, their successes and failures, and by considering the unintentional consequences, many of which caused a backlash among the Iranian people, as well as by examining the political and social climate that exists in Iran today, looks for a sustainable, viable and ultimately successful resolution within the Iranian society."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  �-z, �-mür

  2010-12