President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology

This executive order re-establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), revoking the 2010 Obama-era version. The council will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, with up to 16 outside members plus the OSTP Director as chair, and will automatically terminate after 2 years unless extended.

Federal Register Open PDF 84 FR 57309

Impact dates

Oct 22, 2021
PCAST automatic termination unless extended by President

Key directives

Establish PCAST with OSTP Director as Chair and not more than 16 additional Presidential appointees
PCAST to advise President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy
PCAST to serve as advisory committee under High-Performance Computing Act of 1991
PCAST to serve as National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel under 21st Century Nanotechnology R&D Act
Department of Energy to provide funding and administrative/technical support
PCAST to terminate 2 years from order date unless extended by President
Secretary of Energy to perform FACA functions except Congressional reporting

Who is ordered

OSTP Director · OSTP
Secretary of Energy · Department of Energy
Agency Heads · Various

Timeline

Immediate

PCAST established; EO 13539 revoked
OSTP Director becomes PCAST Chair

Near term (90d)

Presidential appointment of up to 16 PCAST members
DOE to arrange funding and administrative support

Long term

PCAST advisory functions on AI, quantum computing, nanotechnology
Potential sunset on October 22, 2021 unless extended

Risks & tensions

2-year sunset creates instability; advisory continuity depends on Presidential action
No compensation for members may limit pool of qualified candidates
Vague 'regular' meeting requirement without defined frequency
DOE funding obligation 'as required' leaves support level uncertain