Rep. Tonko Visits Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences

ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2019) –Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-20) spent several hours on Friday afternoon learning about the innovative weather- and climate-related research happening within the Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences (DAES).

Tonko first provided introductory remarks in the DAES Map Room on the importance of science in public policy decision-making. He then joined President Rodríguez to meet with students, faculty and staff in the department who showcased some of their current research projects. The day concluded with a roundtable discussion open to DAES graduate students.

Heather Sussman, a graduate student in the department, organized Friday’s visit. She invited the Congressman to campus after meeting with his office during an American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) congressional visit day in Washington, D.C. earlier this year.

"It was an honor to have Congressman Tonko take time from his busy schedule and accept my invitation to meet with our department," said Sussman. "During his visit, we were able to show the high caliber of research taking place in DAES, as well as discuss careers in science policy with graduate students. The event was extremely successful and full of great conversations."

"I’m thankful for our faculty, staff and students within DAES as well as the University administration, for their support," she added.

Tonko is a sixth-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was elected by his peers to serve as the chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change, where he oversees a wide range of issues including clean drinking water, regulation of toxic substances and national climate action. In addition, he serves as the co-chair of the House of Representatives’ Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC).

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