From the President’s Office – 3/15/2012
Well, one of the reasons for living in Washington is the beautiful spring weather and it is here this week with today being 82 degrees! I must admit it is my favorite time of year.
At Ocean Leadership, we are all still trying to catch our breath after the marathon we had last week with our Public Policy Forum, Members and Board meetings and visits to the Hill. On the other hand, things don’t stand still in this town. In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned that the Senate passed the RESTORE ACT as an amendment to the Transportation Bill, inching its way closer to becoming a law. I am happy to report that yesterday, the Senate passed the Transportation Bill as amended, which includes the RESTORE Act and the National Endowment for the Oceans (contained in the RESTORE Act). Now, we turn our attention to the House, as they are expected to vote on the Transportation Bill when they return from recess next week. For detailed information, please visit the Congressional News section. We are hoping that the passage of this bill will provide new research funding for the community.
The regional competitions of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) concluded in early March and the 25 teams who won their respective competition will now compete in the 2012 NOSB Finals this April in Baltimore, Maryland. For the full list of the regional winners, click here. I hope to see many of you in Baltimore next month (April 20-22) at this exciting competition. As I have said in the past, it is one of the most uplifting events that I attend each year.
Have a nice weekend. Wherever you are, I hope your spring is beginning.
Bob
