Milton Russell, a collaborating scientist with ORNL's Center for Global Environmental Studies, will direct the NCEDR. According to Russell, the center will focus on developing new study methods, analysis tools and decision-making processes related to environmental problems. By providing existing and new research, information and/or training to cities, states and private firms, the NCEDR will help decision-makers define the relevant issues and determine environmental solutions more quickly and cost-effectively without having to "re-invent the wheel."
Subject matter experts from many fields will lend expertise to NCEDR. Among the disciplines represented are economics, urban planning, policy analysis, sociology, geography, mathematics, ecology, psychology, political science and computer science. Although the center is not a consulting service, it will focus on outreach by organizing conferences and workshops as well as producing publications, training manuals and on-line databases.
Robert Van Hook Jr., ORNL deputy director, is optimistic about the NCEDR's ability to make a positive local and national impact. "This partnership represents the merging of some of the world's foremost talents united to help community leaders throughout the nation make the best decisions possible with regard to the environment," he said.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, which also manages the Oak Ridge K-25 Site and the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant.