Global Resources, Environment, and Security Commission Act of 2006 - Establishes the Commission on Global Resources, Environment, and Security, a bipartisan and independent commission that will make recommendations for a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national policy for new and existing strategies initiated by the United States to promote global environmental security. Requires the Commission to report to the President and Congress on its findings and conclusions.
Authorizes the Commission to establish a multidisciplinary science, economic, and technical advisory panel. Requires the panel to ensure that the scientific information considered by the Commission is based on the best available data.
Encourages the Commission, Congress, and federal agencies to continue the dialogue about global environmental security after the Commission is terminated (30 days after the submittal of its report to Congress) and to examine institutional needs, including the formation of a new office.
Requires the President to submit to Congress and agencies a report containing a statement of proposals to carry out or respond to the Commission's recommendations.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4038 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4038
To establish the bipartisan and independent Commission on Global
Resources, Environment, and Security, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 29, 2006
Mr. Sarbanes introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish the bipartisan and independent Commission on Global
Resources, Environment, and Security, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Global Resources, Environment, and
Security Commission Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) humans are placing increasing and potentially
unsustainable pressures on--
(A) the Earth;
(B) ecosystems; and
(C) natural resources;
(2) economic prosperity, human health, and peaceful
international relations depend on the continued existence of--
(A) a clean environment; and
(B) the sustainability of natural resources and
ecosystem services;
(3) increasing scarcities of natural resources and
environmental degradation can cause economic losses and
contribute to--
(A) disease;
(B) famine;
(C) increased vulnerability to natural disasters;
(D) mass migration;
(E) disruption of trade; and
(F) violent conflict;
(4) those potential disasters can--
(A) weaken all members of the international
community; and
(B) create serious threats to the national security
of the United States;
(5) many scientific studies reveal that the rapid increases
in global population and the new global security problems have,
and will likely continue to have, serious impacts on the United
States, including--
(A) inadequate access to sources of healthy
freshwater;
(B) loss of biodiversity;
(C) climate change;
(D) marine overfishing and pollution;
(E) transboundary air pollution;
(F) nuclear and chemical contamination;
(G) deforestation;
(H) invasive species migration; and
(I) soil degradation and desertification;
(6) the complex and interconnected nature of those problems
requires new forms of cooperation between--
(A) the stakeholders of the United States; and
(B) the United States and other countries;
(7) according to the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), it is the national policy of the
United States--
(A) to recognize the worldwide and long-range
character of environmental problems; and
(B) to lend appropriate support to initiatives,
resolutions, and programs designed to maximize
international cooperation in anticipating and
preventing a decline in the quality of the world
environment;
(8) the United States is in a unique position to be able to
share scientific and technical expertise on the world stage in
ways that--
(A) benefit all persons; and
(B) provide opportunities in the United States
for--
(i) economic growth;
(ii) investment; and
(iii) innovation; and
(9) the leadership of the United States on the advancement
of global environmental security serves the domestic interests
of the United States while strengthening relationships between
the United States and other countries.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a bipartisan
and independent commission to make recommendations for a coordinated,
comprehensive, and long-range national policy for new and existing
strategies initiated by the United States to promote global
environmental security.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the ``Commission on Global Resources, Environment, and Security''
(referred to in this Act as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 18
members who are knowledgeable in matters relating to global
environmental security and population (including individuals
with experience from the Federal Government, State, and local
governments, academic and technical institutions, and public
interest organizations), of whom--
(A) 2 members shall be appointed by the President,
of whom not more than 1 may be from the same political
party as the President;
(B) 4 members shall be appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate, in consultation with the
Chairpersons of--
(i) the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate;
(ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate;
(iii) the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate; and
(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(C) 4 members shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate, in consultation with the ranking
members of--
(i) the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate;
(ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate;
(iii) the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate; and
(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(D) 4 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives, in consultation with the
Chairpersons of--
(i) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of
the House of Representatives;
(ii) the Committee on International
Relations of the House of Representatives;
(iii) the Committee on Resources of the
House of Representatives;
(iv) the Committee on Science of the House
of Representatives;
(v) the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives; and
(vi) the Committee on Government Reform of
the House of Representatives; and
(E) 4 members shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives, in consultation
with the ranking members of--
(i) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of
the House of Representatives;
(ii) the Committee on International
Relations of the House of Representatives;
(iii) the Committee on Resources of the
House of Representatives;
(iv) the Committee on Science of the House
of Representatives;
(v) the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives; and
(vi) the Committee on Government Reform of
the House of Representatives.
(2) Representation of commission.--To the extent consistent
with paragraph (1), the membership of the Commission shall be
balanced by area of expertise.
(3) Prohibition on federal government employment.--A member
of the Commission appointed under paragraph (1)(A) shall not be
an employee or former employee of the Federal Government.
(4) Considerations for appointment.--
(A) Background of members.--
(i) In general.--All members of the
Commission shall have experience in--
(I) State and local governments;
(II) academic and technical
institutions;
(III) businesses and industries
relating to resource and economic
development; or
(IV) public interest organizations.
(ii) Preference to individuals with
interdisciplinary expertise.--In appointing
members to the Commission, preference shall be
given to individuals who have interdisciplinary
experience.
(B) Political affiliation of members.--Members of
the Commission shall be appointed so that not more than
9 members of the Commission are members of any 1
political party.
(5) Date of appointments.--The appointment of a member of
the Commission shall be made not later than March 30, 2007.
(6) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--A member of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(B) Vacancies.--
(i) In general.--A vacancy on the
Commission shall be filled in the same manner
in which the original appointment was made.
(ii) Partial term.--A member appointed to
fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve
for the remainder of the term for which the
predecessor of the member was appointed.
(7) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date
on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the
Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.
(8) Meetings.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall meet--
(i) at least twice each year; or
(ii) at the call of the Chairperson or the
majority of the members of the Commission.
(B) Public access to meetings.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), each meeting of the Commission
shall be open to the general public.
(ii) Exception.--If a meeting of the
Commission addresses a matter described in
section 552b(c) of title 5, United States Code,
the Commission may close the meeting, or a
portion of the meeting, to the general public.
(9) Quorum.--A majority of voting members shall constitute
a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.
(10) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--
(A) Election.--The Commission shall elect the
Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Commission
on an annual basis.
(B) Absence of the chairperson.--The Vice
Chairperson shall serve as the Chairperson in the
absence of the Chairperson.
(11) Voting.--The Commission shall act only on an
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members of the
Commission.
SEC. 4. DUTIES.
(a) Study.--The Commission shall--
(1) review and affirm current scientific understanding on
the health of the global environment and the long-term
availability of natural resources through the use of
independent, consensus-based assessments and peer reviewed
studies undertaken by the United States, the United Nations,
and any other international entity;
(2) study the impacts of--
(A) global and transnational environmental
problems, natural resource scarcity, and global
population pressure on the interests of the United
States, including--
(i) national security;
(ii) public health;
(iii) industry and trade; and
(iv) international relations; and
(B) the actions of the United States on global
environmental security;
(3) assess--
(A) the effectiveness of Federal and State efforts
to enhance global environmental security, including--
(i) the integration of related activities;
(ii) the interagency coordination of
related activities; and
(iii) the funding of related activities;
(B) the evolving roles of--
(i) government;
(ii) business; and
(iii) nongovernmental organizations; and
(C) the adequacy of efforts initiated by public and
private partnerships that strive to meet the goals of--
(i) global environmental protection;
(ii) natural resource sustainability; and
(iii) economic prosperity; and
(4) determine the progress of the United States in--
(A) achieving relevant international goals and
obligations; and
(B) meeting the challenges outlined by the
scientific studies described under paragraph (1).
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall develop recommendations
for creating a coordinated, comprehensive, and long-range national
policy that promotes global environmental security.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--By March 30, 2009, the Commission shall
submit to the President and Congress a report that contains--
(A) a detailed statement of the findings and
conclusions of the Commission;
(B) a summary of public comments; and
(C) the recommendations of the Commission for such
legislation and administrative actions as the
Commission considers appropriate.
(2) Publication of report.--Not later than 90 days before
submitting the final report of the Commission to the President
and Congress, the Commission shall publish a copy of the report
in the Federal Register.
(3) Public comment.--
(A) In general.--Before submitting the report of
the Commission to the President and Congress, the
Commission shall--
(i) make a draft of the report available
for public comment for a period of not less
than 60 days; and
(ii) consider public comments relating to
the draft of the report.
(B) Availability of report.--A copy of the report
of the Commission shall remain available for
inspection--
(i) in the offices of the Commission; and
(ii) through electronically accessible
formats and means, such as the World Wide Web.
(4) Congressional review.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days before
submitting the final report of the Commission to the
President and Congress, the Commission shall provide
copies of the report to the Chairpersons and ranking
members of--
(i) the Committee on Environment and Public
Works of the Senate;
(ii) the Committee on Foreign Relations of
the Senate;
(iii) the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate;
(iv) the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate;
(v) the Committee on Energy and Commerce of
the House of Representatives;
(vi) the Committee on International
Relations of the House of Representatives;
(vii) the Committee on Resources of the
House of Representatives;
(viii) the Committee on Science of the
House of Representatives;
(ix) the Committee on Homeland Security of
the House of Representatives; and
(x) the Committee on Government Reform of
the House of Representatives.
(B) Opportunity for comment.--Before submitting the
report to the President and Congress, the Commission
shall provide each chairperson and ranking member of a
committee described in subparagraph (A) with an
opportunity to comment on the report.
SEC. 5. POWERS.
(a) Hearings.--
(1) In general.--The Commission or, at the direction of the
Commission, any subcommittee or member of the Commission, may,
for the purpose of carrying out this Act hold such hearings,
meet and act at such times and places, take such testimony,
receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as the
Commission or such subcommittee or members considers advisable.
(2) Notice; minutes; public availability of documents.--
(A) Notice.--Each open meeting of the Commission
shall be preceded by timely public notice in the
Federal Register of the time, place, and subject of the
meeting.
(B) Minutes.--Minutes of each meeting shall--
(i) be kept by the Commission; and
(ii) contain--
(I) a record of the individuals
present;
(II) a description of the
discussion that occurred during the
meeting; and
(III) copies of all statements
filed during the meeting.
(iii) Availability.--Subject to section 552
of title 5, United States Code, the minutes and
records of all meetings and other documents
made available to or prepared for the
Commission shall be available for public
inspection and copying at a single location in
the offices of the Commission.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from a
Federal agency such information as the Commission considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Provision of information.--On request of the
Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall
provide the information to the Commission.
(c) Establishment of Subcommittees.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may establish 1 or more
subcommittees to provide staff support and otherwise assist in
carrying out the responsibilities of the Commission.
(2) Political affiliation of subcommittee members.--Members
of a subcommittee shall be appointed so that not more than \1/
2\ of the members of the subcommittee are members of any 1
political party.
(d) Establishment of Multidisciplinary Science, Economic, and
Technical Advisory Panel.--
(1) In general.--To assist the Commission in carrying out
the duties of the Commission under this Act, the Commission may
establish a multidisciplinary science, economic, and technical
advisory panel (referred to in this Act as the ``Advisory
Panel'').
(2) Composition of advisory panel.--The Advisory Panel
shall be composed of individuals appointed by the Commission,
each of whom shall have expertise in--
(A) biological science;
(B) marine science;
(C) atmospheric science;
(D) environmental toxicology;
(E) epidemiology;
(F) biogeochemistry;
(G) energy and water security;
(H) renewable energy;
(I) social science; or
(J) economics.
(3) Appointment.--The members of the Advisory Panel shall
be appointed by a majority vote of all members of the
Commission.
(4) Use of best available data.--The Advisory Panel shall
ensure that the scientific information considered by the
Commission is based on the best available data.
(e) Contracts.--The Commission may make or enter into contracts,
leases, or other legal agreements to carry out this Act.
(f) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
agencies of the Federal Government.
(g) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--
(1) Non-federal employees.--A member of the Commission who
is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall
be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the
member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the
Commission.
(2) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is
an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve
without compensation in addition to the compensation received
for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the
Federal Government.
(b) Travel Expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter
57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular
place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the
Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may,
without regard to the civil service laws (including
regulations), appoint and terminate an Executive Director and
such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable the
Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
(2) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of
an Executive Director shall be subject to confirmation by the
Commission.
(d) Experts and Consultants.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may obtain the services of
experts and consultants in the private and nonprofit sectors in
accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Compensation of experts and consultants.--A consultant
or expert described in paragraph (1) shall be compensated at a
rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic
pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day
(including travel time) during which the member is engaged in
the performance of the duties of the Commission.
(e) Detail of Government Employees.--
(1) Federal employees.--
(A) In general.--At the request of the Commission,
the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a
reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of the agency to the Commission to assist the
Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission
under this Act.
(B) Civil service status.--The detail of an
employee under subparagraph (A) shall be without
interruption or loss of civil service status or
privilege.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$8,500,000 for the period of fiscal years 2007 through 2010, to remain
available until expended.
SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
(a) Date of Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days
after the date on which the Commission submits the report of the
Commission under section 4(c).
(b) Administrative Activities Before Termination.--The Commission
may use the 30-day period referred to in subsection (a) to--
(1) conclude the activities of the Commission; and
(2) provide testimony before any committee of Congress
concerning the report of the Commission.
(c) Post-Commission Activities.--The members and staff of the
Commission, the Members of Congress, and employees of Federal agencies
are encouraged to--
(1) continue the multi-stakeholder dialogue started by the
Commission in new forums and capacities; and
(2) examine any institutional needs, including--
(A) the formation of a new office;
(B) improvements in organization;
(C) a network; or
(D) a caucus.
SEC. 9. RESPONSE OF THE PRESIDENT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of receipt
of the report of the Commission under section 4(c), the President shall
submit to Congress and appropriate Federal agencies a report containing
a statement of proposals to carry out or respond to the recommendations
of the Commission.
(b) Availability of Report.--The report described in subsection (a)
shall be published or otherwise made available, including (to the
maximum extent practicable) in electronically accessible formats and
means, such as the World Wide Web.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10738-10739)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S10739-10741)
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