About the National Science and Technology Council

President Clinton established the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) by Executive Order on November 23, 1993. The cabinet-level council is the principal means for the President to coordinate science, space, and technology policies across the federal government. NSTC acts as a "virtual" agency for science and technology to coordinate the diverse parts of the federal research and development enterprise. The NSTC is chaired by the President. Membership consists of the Vice President, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Cabinet Secretaries and Agency Heads with significant science and technology responsibilities, and other senior White House officials.

An important objective of the NSTC is the establishment of clear national goals for federal science and technology investments in areas ranging from information technologies and health research, to improving transportation systems and strengthening fundamental research. The council prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across federal agencies to form a investment package that is aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals.

To obtain additional information regarding the NSTC, contact the NSTC Executive Secretariat at 202-456-6100.

About the Office of Science and Technology Policy

The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) was established by the National Science and Technology Policy, Organization, and Priorities Act of 1976. OSTP's responsibilities include advising the President in policy formulation and budget development on all questions in which science and technology are important elements; articulating the President's science and technology policies and programs; and fostering strong partnerships among federal, state, and local governments, and the scientific communities in industry and academia.

To obtain additional information regarding OSTP, contact the OSTP Administration Office at 202-395-7374.

The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR), one of the nine committees, is charged with coordinating federally funded environmental and natural resources research and development (R&D).

For Additional Copies, Contact:

Fred Blosser
U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development (RD-8105)
Washington, D.C. 20460
Phone: 202-260-6979, Fax: 202-260-6932.

The publication can be found on Internet at the following address:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/WH/EOP/OSTP/html/OSTP_Home.html

The purpose of this report is to highlight ongoing federal research efforts in this science and technology (S&T) field and to identify new and promising areas where there might be gaps in federal support. The report is intended for internal planning purposes within the federal agencies and as a mechanism to convey to the S&T community the types of research and research priorities being sponsored and considered by the federal agencies. The Administration is committed to a broad range of high priority investments (including science and technology) as well as to deficit reduction and to a smaller, more efficient federal government. These commitments have created a very challenging budget environment--requiring difficult decisions and a well thought-out strategy to ensure the best return for the nation's taxpayer. As part of this strategy, this document does not represent the final determinant in an overall Administration budget decision making process. The research programs presented in this report will have to compete for resources against many other high priority federal programs. If these programs compete successfully, they will be reflected in future Administration budgets.

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