PLI Executive Director Recognized on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

Executive Director Peg Rees was honored today (March 17, 2009) by Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s Third District when Titus spoke on the House floor in support of House Resolution 211, a bill supporting the goals and ideals of National Women’s History Month.  Titus cited Rees as one of the respected scientists in Nevada who play an important role in protecting the environment. 

“I am honored that Congresswoman Titus recognized me and my work in Southern Nevada’s Mojave Desert before her House colleagues,” said Rees. “It was unexpected, yet very much appreciated.” 

In her role as Executive Director of the Public Lands Institute, Rees is responsible for strategic planning and outreach within the state as well as nationally and internationally to guide and develop the institute. She is a geologist who has taught at both the community college and university levels, worked as an oil exploration geologist and conducted National Science Foundation-funded research primarily in Antarctica, China, and the western United States. In addition, she was an active member of the UNLV Women’s Studies faculty and funded by the National Science Foundation for interdisciplinary women’s studies, social science and geology projects in earth science education.



Below are Congresswoman Titus’ remarks as delivered.

  

“Today I rise in support of H.Res. 211 and National Women's History Month, which this year celebrates women who are taking the lead to save our planet.  Women have played a critical role in the fight to protect the earth, as activists, scientists and public servants.



“In Nevada, many of the early environmental activists, like Tina Nappe, were women inspired to act by their childhood experiences in the beautiful Silver State.  They have been joined by respected scientists such as Dr. Peg Rees, dedicated to finding new ways to protect the desert for future generations.



“As public servants, women have also made a significant contribution to saving our planet.  In the Nevada legislature, for example, our women members have been ahead of their time, championing issues from renewable energy development, like Shelia Leslie, to smart growth, like Chris Giunchigliani.



“These many accomplishments are being documented, analyzed and disseminated to the public by the Women’s Research Institute at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas under the able direction of Dr. Joanne Goodwin.



“But Women’s History Month is not only a month of remembrance of the important women of our past; it is an inspiration for the next generation of women and a call for them to continue the fight to leave this precious rock a better place for our children than we found it.



“So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, especially, Ms. Woolsey, for offering this important resolution that commemorates the 22nd Anniversary of National Women’s History Month.”