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Thursday, October 12, 2006
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BOEHLERT HONORED WITH TWO PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARDS
NEW YORK, NY. – In response to his 24-year commitment to promoting federal scientific research and sound environmental policy, both New York University (NYU) and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) honored U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert at separate ceremonies today in New York City.
NYU, the nation's largest private university, honored Boehlert with its Presidential Medal for being a leader in advancing scientific and technological research. The Presidential Medal is bestowed at the discretion of the president of NYU in recognition of extraordinary achievement. Past recipients of the Presidential Medal include former President of Venezuela Rafael Caldera and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandella.
"I am truly honored to be awarded the Presidential Medal from one of this nation's most progressive universities," Boehlert said. "NYU and I share a commitment to scientific advance, and it is with no small sense of obligation that we have worked together in lock-step, fostering a national scientific policy that will achieve nothing short of an improvement in the human condition."
Later in day, LCV, including leading conservationists Theodore Roosevelt IV and Larry Rockefeller, honored Boehlert with the League's Legacy of Leadership Award for being one of the most prominent and influential members of Congress on environmental issues. Specifically, LCV noted Boehlert's efforts as Chairman of the House Science Committee to curb acid rain, protect endangered species, promote energy conservation and protect public lands.
"Improving environmental policy in Congress is not a question of if, but of when," Boehlert said. "For 24 years, the environment has been my top priority for the very simple reason that it is the largest issue confronting mankind as a species. Human progress is contingent on a responsible environmental policy and LCV is foremost in advocating that message. Thus, I am humbled that they are awarding me this honor."
Enclosed is a sample of Boehlert's accomplishments as Chairman of the House Science Committee in the areas of scientific research and environment, and the citation from the NYU Presidential Medal:
American Competitiveness Initiative - Boehlert was instrumental in elevating the issue of U.S. economic competitiveness to the nation's front burner. As Chairman of the House Science Committee, Boehlert has held a series of hearings drawing attention to the competitive challenges facing U.S. companies and the importance of math and science education to ensuring our nation remains number one in the global economy. In his State of the Union address, President Bush announced his American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), which calls for doubling the budgets of key science agencies, strengthening our nation's efforts in math and science education, and encouraging innovation in our domestic industry. The President's announcement was followed by significant funding increases for the science agencies in the 2007 budget request. Boehlert has since moved legislation through the Science Committee that would build upon the ACI. He continues to work with House Leadership, his Senate counterparts and the White House with the goal of clearing competitiveness legislation for the President to sign before this term of Congress expires.
Nanotechnology - In December 2003, President Bush signed into law Boehlert's "21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act," which authorized a better-funded and coordinated interagency program in nanotechnology - an emerging field of science that the National Science Foundation estimates will be a $1 trillion industry within the next decade.
Cybersecurity - Addressing the vulnerability of the Nation's critical infrastructure, the President signed into law, Boehlert's landmark "Cyber Security Research and Development Act," authorizing $903 million in new funding for R&D; in this critical area.
Environment - Boehlert authored the Clean Air Act amendments of 1990, which established for the first time a federal response to acid rain. In addition, Boehlert authored the Conservation Title in the 1996 Farm bill, which provided over $9 billion for conservation programs critical to hunters and fishermen, including the Wetlands Reserve Program, the Conservation Reserve Program and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program.
New York University: Citation for The Presidential Medal
"United States Representative from the 24th District of New York, a Utica native currently serving your 12th term in Congress, you have been a leader in advancing the nation's capacity in that most vital area for our future: scientific and technological research and training. Yours is a robust record-a lasting legacy-in protecting our planet through environmental safeguards and in defending the United States through enhanced homeland security and intelligence. You have served your district, our state and our country with great distinction. New York University is proud to present you its Presidential Medal."
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