Three National Academies Reports Coming in October

Three reports being released by the National Academies' National Research Council have strong environmental links.

• On Oct. 10, a report on the effect that biofuel production could have on water quality and quantity is scheduled for release ("Water Implications of Biofuels"). The huge surge in biofuels interest in the past year is already hitting a plateau for some fuel types, but is expected to continue to some degree. Tilling, fertilizing, and spraying biofuel crops can have significant effects on surface and groundwater on and under both the harvested and nearby lands. In addition, some of the processing methods can affect water bodies.Media: 202-334-2138. Release.
• On Oct. 16, a report assessing how the Clean Water Act has been implemented along the Mississippi River is scheduled for release. The authors will also identify remaining problems, and recommend how to address them. "Mississippi River Water Quality and the Clean Water Act: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities" will be unveiled at a 1-hour public briefing at 11 a.m. EDT in the Lecture Room of the National Academy of Sciences building at 2100 C St., N.W., Washington, D.C. You can also listen on the Web, and e-mail questions, here.An embargoed copy of the report will be available at 3 p.m. EDT on Oct. 15; call 202-334-2138.
• On Oct. 18, similar live, Web, and e-mail access, at the same physical and Internet locations, will be available for the release of a report on the ongoing conflicts between national security and the open flow of scientific information. The live presentation for "Science and Security in a Post-9/11 World: A Report Based on Regional Discussions Between the Science and Security Communities" will begin at 9:30 a.m. EDT and the embargoed report will be available at 3 p.m. EDT on Oct. 17; call 202-334-2138.