The Senate confirmed Charles Groat as the new U.S. Geological Survey Director on October 21. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt notes, “The U.S. Geological Survey plays a critical role in science in this country…We welcome Dr. Groat’s considerable talent to lead our premiere science agency in the many important natural resource challenges that lie ahead…He has the right mix of academic background, skills and experience…” He has over 25 years experience in earth sciences, and was Associate Vice President for Research at the University of Texas at El Paso, overseeing environmental science and engineering programs.