Antarctica research essential for continued influence, says panel

The US National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) emphasizes the need for continuing research in Antarctica to maintain its political influence in the region. The NSTC prioritizes its research program via a year-round presence in the region to secure US influence in the administration of the Antarctic Treaty. The McMurdo station and the Palmer and the Amundsen-Scott stations should be kept open and a panel of logistics experts created to achieve this aim despite funding freezes. The National Science Foundation calls for rebuilding the South Pole station.