American Geophysical Union Science Policy Conference: Earth Networks CEO Bob Marshall Joins Need for a National Earth Observation Policy Panel Discussion

GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earth Networks^SM, the operator of the largest weather, lightning and climate observation networks, announces that its President and CEO Bob Marshall will be among the invited participants in a panel discussing The Need for a National Earth Observation Policy at the inaugural American Geophysical Union Science Policy Conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, May 2.

The AGU brings together scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss key Earth and space science topics that address challenges to our environment, economy, national security and public safety. The Science Policy Conference will focus on the science that helps inform policymakers' decisions related to natural hazards, natural resources, oceans and the Arctic.

During the panel discussion, Bob Marshall will provide the private sector perspective on the value of, and the need for, a National Earth Observation Policy. Marshall founded Earth Networks in 1993 and successfully grew the company as a global provider of weather intelligence and advanced severe weather alerting services to governments at the federal, state and local levels; industries in sectors that include energy, agriculture, and sports; and millions of consumers via the WeatherBug brand of mobile apps, desktop application and website.

Also participating in the panel are Jim Geringer, Director, Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. and former Governor of Wyoming; Larry Atkinson, Eminent Professor and Samuel L. and Fay M. Slover Professor of Oceanography, Old Dominion University; and Mike Freilich, Earth Science Division Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Peter Colohan, Senior Policy Analyst, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, will moderate the discussion.

WHAT: The Need for a National Earth Observation Policy: Perspectives from Government and Private Industry on the Value of a National Policy and its Effects on Our Nation panel discussion at the AGU Science Policy Conference, May 1 - 2.

WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

TIME: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesday, May 2.

FOR MEDIA: Media may schedule one-on-one interviews. To schedule an interview, please contact Rachel Hunt 301-250-4046, [e-mail] or Jennifer Gilmore at 301-250-4239, [e-mail].

Visit the conference website: http://sites.agu.org/spconference/.

About Earth Networks^SM

As a provider of comprehensive atmospheric data for nearly 20 years, Earth Networks is Taking the Pulse of the Planet with the world’s largest weather observation, lightning detection, and greenhouse gas monitoring networks and is establishing a network for collecting data within the planetary boundary layer. The company’s popular WeatherBug website, desktop application and mobile apps for major smartphone platforms provide real-time neighborhood-level weather and advanced severe weather alerts to millions of consumers. Enterprise solutions from Earth Networks enable organizations and markets, including energy and utilities, agriculture, schools, sports and recreation, emergency operations and government entities, to safeguard lives, prepare for weather and climate events and improve business operations. Founded in 1993, Earth Networks (www.earthnetworks.com) is headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with additional locations in Mountain View, Calif.; New York, NY; Milan, Italy and a local presence in 50 countries worldwide.