Outstanding Environmental Research at University of California, Merced

Floor Speech

Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding environmental research being conducted at the University of California, Merced.

In the midst of California's worst drought on record, scientists at UC Merced are studying the effects drought, fire, and global warming are having on soil and water resources.

One such researcher, Dr. Berhe, along with her students and collaborators, supported by the National Science Foundation, are investigating the impacts of fire, erosion, and climate change on soil processes.

Extreme drought and other catastrophic events can alter the carbon storage potential of the soil, its water-holding capacity, and lead to high rates of surface runoff.

Research such as Dr. Berhe's is critical for addressing challenges to the soil's ability to sequester atmospheric carbon, water security, and the health of the ecosystem.

Continued Federal support of science and research is needed to provide better information for formulating solutions to the challenges in the world around us.

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