Dr. Rebecca Sharitz asked me to post the following message for her. You can reply to her directly at: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Dear Colleagues, Many of you have contacted me regarding the message posted yesterday by Howie Neufeld regarding the future of the University of Georgias Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. Indeed, the Department of Energy (DOE) Savannah River Operations Office has been blocked by DOE Headquarters from releasing funds (which are available at the SRS and which were promised to SREL both verbally and in writing) to support SREL research programs for the remainder of FY2007. Without additional funding, SREL will run out of money for its ecological research and environmental education programs within a few weeks. For 56 years SREL has provided an independent scientific evaluation of SRS operations. Furthermore, as we move deeper into the 21st century, in the United States and globally there is an increasing need for vastly more (not less) credible scientific research into sensitive ecological and environmental issues. Without the continuance of the kind of objective scientific research conducted at SREL, responsible governments (federal or state) and institutions of higher learning (such as the University of Georgia) run the huge risk of losing much of their public credibility with regard to nuclear activities conducted on or near their lands. Although the SREL budget crisis is extreme and urgent, the laboratory is not yet taking steps to close its doors as the statement from a UGA official quoted by Howie Neufeld in his message yesterday implies. Other possible options to continue SRELs programs are being actively explored. Continued and vocal support from the public and the broad scientific community may be a key factor in keeping the laboratory viable. Please visit the website: www.savesrel.org for information about what you can do. Sincerely, Dr. Rebecca Sharitz, Professor Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia
