ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13226Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13226

President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

This executive order establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a 25-member advisory committee (one federal official and 24 nonfederal experts) to advise the President on science and technology policy and assist the National Science and Technology Council in engaging the private sector. The council is set to terminate automatically after two years unless extended by the President, and it revokes three previous executive orders related to presidential science advisory committees.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 50523

Impact dates

  1. PCAST automatic termination unless extended by President

Key directives

  • Establish PCAST with maximum 25 members (1 federal Official, 24 nonfederal)
  • Official co-chairs with nonfederal member designated by President
  • PCAST advises President on science and technology policy through the Official
  • PCAST assists NSTC in securing private sector involvement
  • Executive department heads shall provide information when requested by co-chairs
  • OSTP provides administrative services with Official's approval
  • OSTP performs FACA functions except congressional reporting
  • Terminate September 30, 2003 unless extended

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • PCAST established
  • prior science advisory structures (E.O. 12882, 12907, 13138 section 1(h)) revoked

Near term (90d)

  • President to designate the federal Official co-chair
  • President to appoint up to 24 nonfederal members with diverse expertise

Long term

  • Automatic termination on September 30, 2003 unless extended
  • Potential sustained science/technology advisory capacity if extended

Risks & tensions

  • Two-year sunset creates structural uncertainty for sustained advisory capacity
  • Revocation of prior E.O.s may disrupt ongoing advisory work during transition
  • Vague: 'diverse perspectives and expertise' undefined; selection criteria left to presidential discretion
  • Dependence on OSTP funding and administrative support may constrain independence
  • Timing (September 30, 2001, shortly after 9/11) may affect prioritization of science/technology advisory capacity
Executive Order 13226: President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology · Executive Orders