February 14, 2009

APS Applauds Congress and President Obama For Critical Investments in Science Infrastructure, Instruments And Energy Research In American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Investments will repair antiquated buildings, put middle-class workers back to work, lay foundation for economic prosperity for nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Physical Society today commended Congress and President Obama for their exceptional leadership and vision as demonstrated by the inclusion of crucial investments in science infrastructure and instruments, and energy efficiency research in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"These critical investments will not only benefit American science and innovation, but they will put thousands of Americans struggling to pay their mortgages and feed their families back to work through construction and manufacturing projects, said APS President Cherry A. Murray. Furthermore, these prudent investments lay the necessary foundation for long-term economic growth and prosperity for our country."

Among its benefits, the legislation funds projects overseen by the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Science, the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology -- agencies that are engaged in transformational research to address some of our nations most pressing challenges, including global warming. The recovery and reinvestment bill includes funds for the repair of aging laboratories, antiquated science instruments and energy efficiency research.

In New York, for example, construction of the National Synchrotron Light Source II at Brookhaven National Laboratory will move forward after years of delay because of a lack of funding. Additionally, students conducting cutting-edge research will be able to replace outdated equipment with state-of-the-art instruments.