§ 2934. National Global Change Research Plan
(a)
In general
The Chairman of the Council, through the Committee, shall develop a National Global Change Research Plan for implementation of the Program. The Plan shall contain recommendations for national global change research. The Chairman of the Council shall submit the Plan to the Congress within one year after November 16, 1990, and a revised Plan shall be submitted at least once every three years thereafter.
(b)
Contents of Plan
The Plan shall—
(1)
establish, for the 10-year period beginning in the year the Plan is submitted, the goals and priorities for Federal global change research which most effectively advance scientific understanding of global change and provide usable information on which to base policy decisions relating to global change;
(2)
describe specific activities, including research activities, data collection and data analysis requirements, predictive modeling, participation in international research efforts, and information management, required to achieve such goals and priorities;
(3)
identify and address, as appropriate, relevant programs and activities of the Federal agencies and departments represented on the Committee that contribute to the Program;
(5)
consider and utilize, as appropriate, reports and studies conducted by Federal agencies and departments, the National Research Council, or other entities;
(6)
make recommendations for the coordination of the global change research activities of the United States with such activities of other nations and international organizations, including—
(B)
the development by the Committee, in consultation when appropriate with the National Space Council, of proposals for cooperation on major capital projects;
(c)
Research elements
The Plan shall provide for, but not be limited to, the following research elements:
(1)
Global measurements, establishing worldwide observations necessary to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes responsible for changes in the Earth system on all relevant spatial and time scales.
(2)
Documentation of global change, including the development of mechanisms for recording changes that will actually occur in the Earth system over the coming decades.
(3)
Studies of earlier changes in the Earth system, using evidence from the geological and fossil record.
(d)
Information management
The Plan shall provide recommendations for collaboration within the Federal Government and among nations to—
(e)
National Research Council evaluation
The Chairman of the Council shall enter into an agreement with the National Research Council under which the National Research Council shall—
(f)
Public participation
In developing the Plan, the Committee shall consult with academic, State, industry, and environmental groups and representatives. Not later than 90 days before the Chairman of the Council submits the Plan, or any revision thereof, to the Congress, a summary of the proposed Plan shall be published in the Federal Register for a public comment period of not less than 60 days.