which was the Panel on Oceanography (POO or PSACPOO) created in 1965 

 to assess current and planned oceanographic programs, identify oppor- 

 tunities for new programs, and recommend measures to effect new pro- 

 grams. 



358. COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: CEQ 



Established in 1970 under the authority of the National Environ- 

 mental Protection Act (NEPA) of 1969, CEQ serves as the principal 

 environmental advisory unit within the Executive Office of the Pres- 

 ident. It develops and recommends national policies to promote envi- 

 ronmental quality, analyzes changes or trends in the national envi- 

 ronment, and prepares the President's annual environmental quality 

 report to the Congress. CEQ made the Floating Nuclear Power Plant 

 study (FNPP) to determine the advisibility of putting floating nuclear 

 powerplants in coastal waters. 



Advisory and Interagency Bodies 



Established by Congressional or Presidential action, advisory and 

 interagency bodies are not limited to internal operations of an 

 executive department or agency. Entries 359 through 363 describe 

 those of major interest for marine scientists. 



359. ADVISORY BODIES 



The Marine Resources and Engineering Development Act (MREDA) of 

 1966 authorized the establishment of two complementary bodies, the 

 National Council on Marine Resources and Engineering Development 

 (NCMRED) and the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering and Re- 

 sources (CMSER). 



NCMRED was composed of Government officials (see entry 361); 

 in contrast, CMSER was composed largely of advisers outside the Fed- 

 eral Government. Chaired by Julius A. Stratton of the Ford Founda- 

 tion and more frequently referred to as the Stratton Commission, its 

 aims were to formulate a national program for marine science affairs 

 and to recommend a place for Government organizations In support of 

 the program. Its plan was published in the report "Our Nation and 

 the Sea," referred to as the "Stratton Report." Upon publication of 

 the plan in 1969, the Commission ceased to exist. 



NCMRED proposed the establishment of a National Advisory Committee 

 on Oceanography (NACO). Its proposal was broadened to reflect the 

 creation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

 (NOAA), enacted by Public Law 92-115, dated August 16, 1971, which 

 also authorized the establishment of the National Advisory Committee 

 on Oceans and Atmosphere (NACOA) . Originally to comprise 25 members, 

 it was recently reorganized to 18 members appointed by the President 

 from the private sector. It is responsible for a continuing review 

 of the progress of marine and atmospheric science and service programs 

 of the United States. It advises the Secretary of Commerce with 

 respect to NOAA's mission and whether the mission is being fulfilled. 



NACOA was directed to submit a comprehensive annual report to the 

 President and Congress setting forth an overall assessment of the 

 status of the Nation's marine and atmospheric activities. Its 

 proposals include the establishment of an Institute for Engineering 

 Research in the Oceans (lERO) to be administered by NOAA, the estab- 

 lishment of a Marine Affairs Council (MAC) at the cabinet level, 

 and establishment of an independent agency for ocean and atmospheric 

 sciences. 



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