ARNEGIE INSTITUTION - _____-

C OF WASHINGTON

Evtending the Frontiers of' Science

I

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDEST

May 17, 1990

The Honorable Carl M. Levin
United States Senate
The Russell Building, Room 459
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Levin:

  The Carnegie Institution of Washington strongly supports
recent congressional initiatives regarding the proposed National
Institutes for the Environment. As we understand the current
situation, proposals for an expert and independent evaluation of
the feasibility of the proposed Institutes represent an initial
step.

The concept of the National Institutes far the Environment

is built upon the extraordinarily successful model of the
National Institutes of Health. Thus, the new entity would
provide for the research essential to :he eventual solution of
environmental problems. Specific $roblem-oriented individual
Institutes (i.e., climate, atmosphere, ccnservation, ecalogy,
biotic resources, and so forth) would provide expertise and
depth in a variety of fnndamental and applied research areas.
Together, the several Institutes would be joined to make a whole
that can oversee research in a coherent manner, responsive to
national needs. Like the National Institutes of Health, the
Institutes for the Environment would likely become a focus for
the world, thereby fostering the welfare of the whola planet.
And, like the National Institutes of Health, the National
Institutes for the Environment could foster training in the
relevant sciences, thereby providing for the manpower essential
to resolution of environmental problems.

  Currently, environmental problems are addressed with a
great deal of hand-wringing. Presumed ameliorative actions are
taken without a sound scientific base. Consequently, the like-
lihood that the actions can actually address the problem at hand

The Honorable Carl M. Levin
May 17, 1990
Page Two

is unknown. Moreover, whether the actions are the most cost-
effective can barely be estimated. Yet, environmental problems
are likely to escalate. We can be better prepared for them if
we improve our understanding of the relevant natural phenomena.

We are mindful of our Institution's historical record in

support of major new national scientific endeavors. In partic-
ular, we are proud of Vannevar Bush's efforts, while president
of this Institution, to provide for scientific advice to the
nation during World War I1 and, later, to originate and foster
the idea of establishing the National Science Foundation.
Congressional initiatives for the proposed National Institutes
for the Environment are enormously welcome. The Carnegie
Institution would like to pledge its support for this effort.

Sincerely,

Maxine F. Singer

MFS : dmm