New bill would permanently authorize the CASC network at USGS
A bill introduced last week by Chair Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) would formally authorize the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs). The Climate Adaptation Science Centers Act, or the “CASC Act,” will ensure that local communities maintain access to this high-quality scientific expertise as they continue implementing solutions to better protect themselves from the impacts of climate change.
The CASC network was established by Congress in 2008 and has since developed into nine regional centers with 300 current projects that provide tools and information to land managers and local communities across the country to aid in their climate adaptation decisions. The CASCs have also supported more than 200 students and early-career scientists and facilitated nearly 200 Tribal climate camps, summits, trainings, and workshops. The CASCs recognize that climate change disproportionately impacts Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and other Indigenous Peoples. Tribal Nations, Tribal organizations, and other Indigenous communities are priority partners in the CASCs’ work.
A full inventory of CASC Projects can be found on the Project Explorer.
The Subcommittee on Energy and Minerals will hold a legislative hearing on the bill on Thursday, February 17th. See below for details.
Legislative: Securing the Future of Climate Adaptation Science at the United States Geological Survey
Thursday, February 17th, at 9:00 am AK
Attend via Livestream on the Committee’s Youtube page
Read the bill text, one-page explainer, or section-by-section overview to learn more.