EPA National News: Press Advisory: (1) EPA Research Fellowships Announced; (2) Nelson Named Civilian Executive of the Year; (3) Oral Arguments Rescheduled in DuPont PFOA Case
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Press Advisory: (1) EPA Research Fellowships Announced; (2) Nelson Named Civilian Executive of the Year; (3) Oral Arguments Rescheduled in DuPont PFOA Case

Following are some Agency developments which may interest you. If you need more information on any of these subjects, call the appropriate contact.



(1) EPA Research Fellowships Announced

Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

EPA has awarded 156 research fellowships for students pursuing degrees in environmental fields. The agency has several fellowship programs designed to ensure a well-trained scientific workforce that can address future environmental issues. The Science to Achieve Results (STAR) graduate fellowship program supports promising masters and doctoral candidates in environmental fields at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. For 2004 awards, nearly 1,700 applicants competed for 124 STAR fellowships. Research fellows selected represent 95 universities in 40 states, with students pursuing degrees in biology, toxicology, ecology and environmental sciences. The Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) fellowship program funds undergraduate and graduate students conducting environmental research at universities that receive $50 million or less in annual federal research funds. Students at schools with substantial minority enrollment are particularly encouraged to apply, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Native American Tribal Colleges. More than 200 GRO applicants competed this year for 32 fellowships. A 2002 National Academy of Science report rated the STAR program as outstanding and concluded that STAR research has improved the scientific foundation for decision making at EPA. As an example of the high quality of STAR research, a student at Boston University will study statistical modeling of the interaction between multiple chemicals in the environment. Chemical mixtures may produce dramatically stronger effects (synergy) than would be predicted by a merely additive model, so development of new models is critical to understanding environmental impact. Projects undertaken by previous fellows have included genetic approaches to biodiversity, environmental toxicology, and research on watersheds. EPA is now accepting applications for 2005 STAR and GRO fellowships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The preliminary deadline is Nov. 23, 2004, and application information is available at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/ . The names of the 2004 STAR and GRO Fellows are listed at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/fellow/recipients/star_fellow04.html and http://es.epa.gov/ncer/fellow/recipients/gro_fellow04.html . For more information about the both fellowship programs, go to: http://www.epa.gov/ncer/fellow .

(2) Nelson Named Civilian Executive of the Year

Contact: Suzanne Ackerman 202-564-7819 / ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov

Government Computer News has named Kimberly T. Nelson, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Environmental Information and EPA's Chief Information Officer (CIO), Civilian Executive of the Year. The magazine announced the winners of its 17th annual Executives of the Year Awards for three categories: DoD, Civilian and Industry. The selections were made by PostNewsweek Tech Media's editorial board. These awards recognize technology excellence in government by individuals who have shown innovation, dedication, and excellence in their achievements over the past year. Nelson has helped position EPA as a leader in the federal government's implementation of electronic government (E-Government), one of the five components of the President's Management Agenda. E-Government uses the Internet to give the public greater access to federal information and services. In 2003, EPA was selected by OMB to be the lead agency on the government-wide E-Rulemaking initiative, which created a portal (Regulations.gov) that gives the public ready access and a simple way to submit comments on proposed regulations for all agencies. Nelson also serves as Co-chairperson of the Federal CIO Council's Architecture and Infrastructure Committee, and has made significant contributions in other areas including the National Environmental Information Exchange Network, Central Data Exchange, enterprise architecture and E-dockets. More information on the Government Computer News awards is available at: http://www.postnewsweektech.com/awards/GCNAWARDS.html .

(3) Oral Arguments Rescheduled in DuPont PFOA Case

Contact: John Millett 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

EPA's Office of Administrative Law Judges has rescheduled oral arguments in administrative law proceedings concerning the Agency's complaint against E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont). In July, EPA filed three counts against DuPont for failing to report information concerning a substantial risk to public health or the environment from a synthetic chemical used in the manufacture of certain Teflon products. In September, DuPont filed a motion for an accelerated decision from the judge on counts two and three, and requested oral arguments on its motion. Count one and depending on the decision following oral arguments on counts two and three will be taken up at a later hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. Oral arguments on DuPont's motion have been rescheduled from Oct. 28 to Dec. 16. To attend the oral arguments, contact the Clerk of the Board by Dec. 2 by calling 202-564-6281. Copies of the prehearing order and other public documents relating to the case are available upon request by calling 202-564-6262.


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Release date:10/20/2004 Receive our News Releases Automatically by Email

 

 
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