2003-2004 Public Policy Agenda survey process begins

During the Technology Executives Conference last month in Houston, ASME's Board on Government Relations began its biennial survey of member priorities in state and federal public policy. As in the past, results of the survey will form the Society's Public Policy Agenda.

The survey process will continue through the Summer Annual Meeting. To participate, log on to the ASME Government Relations Web site at www.asme.org/gric. You can complete the survey and submit it with a few clicks of your mouse. This is an easy and excellent way to get involved in ASME's government relations activities.

ASME's Public Policy Agenda is a compendium of federal and state issues of concern to the Society. It is compiled from the results of this survey and published every two years. The agenda establishes federal and state priorities that ASME will address during legislative sessions, and informs policy makers, other organizations, and members about the Society's federal and state concerns.

The agenda survey results will be published and released at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Nov. 17-22, in New Orleans.

For more information, contact Francis Dietz at (202) 785-3756 or via e-mail at dietzf@ asme.org.

Administration announces Clear Skies and Global Change policy

The Clear Skies and Global Climate Change Initiatives, which President George W. Bush announced in February, will address cutting power plant emissions of three air pollutants — nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury — by 70 percent.

The initiative uses a market-based approach to improve air quality. The Global Climate Change Initiative aims to cut greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent over the next 10 years. The initiative also supports climate change research.

For more information, go to: www.epa.gov/epahome/headline2_021402.htm, or contact Francis Dietz at dietzf@asme.org.

Institute for Engineering Education established

The Institute for Engineering Education, the first-ever national institute with the mission of supporting the advancement of engineering education from kindergarten through graduate school, has been established with federal government support at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, who believes the lack of qualified engineers is the single biggest issue in preparing for economic growth in the 21st century, helped secure significant federal funding to establish the institute.

Initially, the institute's three priorities will be: to expand engineering and technology education to high school classrooms across the country; to develop one-year college preparatory programs for students who are not adequately prepared for engineering school; and to develop effective programs that will increase the likelihood that students interested in engineering actually graduate with a degree.

Currently, more than 85 percent of high school students in the United States do not graduate with the math and science courses required for science-based study in college. Of those who enroll in math and science courses and pursue an engineering degree, fewer than 40 percent emerge with engineering degrees.

In addition, the institute will develop new engineering curricula and technology for a variety of grade levels, establish a national assessment program to measure the impact of new engineering education initiatives on student learning, and serve as a national clearinghouse for engineering education programs. For more information on the Institute, call (214) 768-4262 or visit its Web site at www.theinstitute.smu.edu.

If you have any other questions, contact Patti Burgio at burgiop@asme.org.

 

— Melissa Murray
ASME Government Relations

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