News and Updates

June 2009


Congressional Rollout of ARRA Grants

On June 30, NOAA announced 50 habitat restoration projects selected for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), totaling $167 million. As part of the congressional rollout, NOAA’s Office Legislative Affairs made advance calls to nearly 100 congressional offices that had a selected project in their state or district. On June 29, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, made personal calls to several Members of Congress and Governors informing them of the news. Full Story and Complete List of Grant Awards

 

Congressional Staff Attend GOES-O Launch Events at Cape Canaveral

On June 26, congressional staff joined NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary, Mary M. Glackin, and the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Mary Kicza, and other NOAA representatives for a briefing and tour prior to the scheduled satellite launch viewing event of NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-O (GOES-O) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The launch was postponed due to weather. Congressional staff who attended the day’s events in Florida included staff from the offices of:

On June 27, GOES-O was launched on board a United Launch Alliance Delta IV launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. GOES-O is the second spacecraft to be launched in the GOES N Series of geostationary environmental weather satellites. The GOES satellites continuously provide observations of 60 percent of the Earth including the continental United States, providing weather monitoring and forecast operations as well as a continuous and reliable stream of environmental information and severe weather warnings. Congressional staff who were able to stay for the launch included staff from the offices of:

Congressional Staff
Congressional toured the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and are pictured in front of the Delta IV rocket that launched the satellite into orbit.  Pictured are, from left: Adrienne Simonson, House Committee on Appropriations; Shimere Williams, House Committee on Science and Technology; Jeb Berman, Office of Representative Mike Thompson (D CA-1); Jeff Watters, Office of Senenator Maria Cantwell (D-WA); and Kristen Sarri, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Goes-O Launch
GOES-O launched at Space Launch Complex-37, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Credit: NASA)

 

Senator Udall Staff Attend GOES-O Launch Viewing Event at NSOF

On June 26, staff from the office of Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) joined NOAA representatives for a satellite launch viewing event of NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-O (GOES-O) at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, Maryland. The launch was postponed due to weather, so the staff were given a tour and briefing.

 

Senator Hagan Staff Visit NCDC

On June 26, staff from the office of Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) toured NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, North Carolina, and received a briefing on the Center’s activities and priorities.

 

Senator Brownback Visits Goodland WFO

On June 26, Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) visited NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Goodland, Kansas, for a tour of the facility and a briefing on the work of the office. The Senator was able to view radar data, was there when the Storm Prediction Center issued a tornado watch, and thanked everyone for the important work that they do.

Senator Brownback
Left to right: Scott Mentzer, Meteorologist in Charge, and Senator Brownback.

 

 

House Passes Cap-and-Trade Bill - Includes National Climate Service Language

On June 26, the House of Representatives passed HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Section 452 of the bill, the National Climate Service Act of 2009, would establish a National Climate Service at NOAA. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

 

Congressional Staff Attend IWC Meeting

On June 22-26, staff from the House Committee on Natural Resources joined NOAA representatives at the 61st Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) held in Madeira, Portugal. The IWC elected a new Chair (Commissioner from Chile) and Vice Chair (Commissioner from Antigua and Barbuda) at this meeting. The Commission also adopted a few resolutions including one that would extend negotiations on the future of the IWC for an additional year and one on climate change and affects on cetaceans.

 

Senator Chambliss and Senator Isakson Staff Tour WFO

On June 25, staff from the offices of Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) toured the NOAA National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Charleston, South Carolina. The WFO in Charleston covers the city of Savannah and Southeast Georgia.

 

Senate Committee on Appropriations Considers NOAA Budget

On June 24, the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, held a markup on the FY2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies’ appropriations bill. The Subcommittee reported the bill to the full Committee, which held a markup on June 25. The Committee approved a bill that contains $4.77 billion for NOAA for FY2010, or an increase of nine percent.

On June 19, the House approved its version of the spending bill last week that gave NOAA a five percent increase over last year’s spending levels, for a total of $4.6 billion.

 

Hearing on Climate Change and the Chesapeake

On June 23, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) and the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands (Chair, Representative Raul Grijalva, D AZ-7) held a joint, field hearing on the Impacts of Climate Change on Chesapeake Bay. The Director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, Robert Wood, testified. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Monica Medina
Monica Medina

Hearing on HR 21

On June 18, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) held a hearing on HR 21, the Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act. NOAA’s Senior Advisor, Monica Medina, testified. Due to scheduled floor votes, the hearing ended after the witnesses provided testimony and Members will submit Questions for the Record to NOAA. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

DUS Glackin
DUS Glackin

Hearing on NPOESS

On June 17, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight (Chair, Representative Brad Miller D NC-13) held a hearing on the Continuing Independent Assessment of the National Polar-Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites System. The Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary M. Glackin, testified. The hearing addressed the current management and technical issues related to the NPOESS series of environmental satellites that NOAA is developing in partnership with DoD and NASA and highlighted the key recommendations from GAO's most recent study on the program. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Actin AA Balsiger
Acting AA Balsiger

Hearing on Pacific Salmon and Fish Habitat Legislation

On June 16, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam), held a hearing on, HR 2055, the Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act, and HR 2565, the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act. The Acting Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Jim Balsiger, testified. The hearing explored NOAA’s, and other federal agencies’ and entities’ views on the bill that would seek to conserve the highest quality salmon habitats. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

NOAA Supports Congressional Rollout of New USGCRP Report on Climate Change Impacts in the United States

On June 16, on behalf of the National Science and Technology Council, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) released and transmitted to the President and the Congress the state of knowledge report: Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. The report is available for download online. NOAA supported the congressional rollout of this report, in coordination with USGCRP, with a series of briefings for congressional staff from the:

 

Dr. Lubchenco
Dr. Lubchenco

Hearing on FY2010 Budget

On June 11, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (Chair, Senator Maria Cantwell, D-WA) held a hearing on NOAA’s FY2010 Budget Request. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, testified. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Members of Congress Join NOAA at Fish Fry

On June 10, Members of Congress and key, congressional staff joined the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and other NOAA and DOC leadership, including Secretary Locke, at the 34th Annual NOAA Fish Fry held in the Herbert C. Hoover Building in Washington, DC. The Members and staff who attended included:

 

House Committee Bill Markup

On June 10, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Nick Rahall, D WV-3) held a markup on over a dozen bills. The markup included the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2009, HR 1080, the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2009, HR 1612, the Marine Turtle Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2009, HR 509, and the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act, HR 556. All four bills were approved by the Committee and sent to the full House of Representatives for a floor vote, to be scheduled at a later date.

 

Senator Martinez Staff Tour NHC

On June 10, staff from the office of Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) toured NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida, and met with the NHC Director. The Senator recently toured the NHC and was briefed by the Director.

 

Members of Congress Join NOAA at Capitol Hill Ocean Week (CHOW) 2009

On June 9-11, this year’s Capitol Hill Ocean Week explored the theme “The BLUE Economy: Understanding the Ocean's Role in Our Nation's Financial Future.” The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, gave the opening Welcome and Keynote Address. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Dr. Richard Spinrad, participated in the panel "Tools and Technology: Exploring and Creating an Ocean Infrastructure," and NOAA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, Dr. James M. Turner, participated in the panel "An International Perspective: Natural Resource-Based Economies in the Coral Triangle." Other NOAA officials and staff participated throughout the Week's series of events and briefings. Some of the Members of Congress and congressional staff involved included:

 

Hearing on Endocrine Disrupters

On June 9, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) held a hearing titled, “Overdose: How Drugs and Chemicals in Water Supplies and the Environment are Harming our Fish and Wildlife.” Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that when absorbed mimic or block hormones. These EDCs have known impacts on fish and wildlife species. The Chief of the Environmental Conservation Division, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service Northwest Fishery Science Center, Tracy Collier, testified. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

National Marine Sanctuary Logo

Members of Congress and Staff Briefings on National Marine Sanctuaries

On June 8-11, 28 Members of Congress and staff from an additional 28 congressional offices were briefed by representatives of NOAA’s National Ocean Service Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, including the Regional Directors and the Sanctuary Superintendants. In addition, each Sanctuary has a Volunteer of the Year and many of them also attended the meetings. The briefings provided an update on the sanctuary or sanctuaries in the Member’s state or district, along with an overview of the related programs and activities.

 

Representative Gordon and Representative Davis Briefing on Weather Forecasting

On June 8, the Chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Representative Bart Gordon (D TN-6), and Representative Lincoln Davis (D TN-4) were briefed by staff from NOAA’s National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Nashville as part of a round table discussion on tornado and severe storm forecasts, warnings, research and development in Tennessee.

 

Congressional Staff Tour National Hurricane Center

On June 5, congressional staff from four Senate offices and seven House offices toured NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, Florida, and received an update on the 2009 Hurricane Season Outlook. As part of a congressional staff trip organized and led by U.S. Air Force (USAF) Congressional Affairs, staff toured military installations in the southern United States. The USAF asked to include the NHC on the tour, to highlight how NHC works with the USAF Hurricane Hunters, as part of the hurricane forecast mission. Staff from the following offices toured the NHC:

 

New Director for NOAA’s Office of Legislative Affairs

We are pleased to announce that John Gray has joined NOAA as the presidentially appointed Director of NOAA’s Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA). John previously worked for the Department of Commerce for almost 15 years before joining the AARP as the Public Outreach Director, Economics. John’s experience working with Congress, as well as his previous positions with the Department, will contribute greatly to the OLA’s legislative efforts as we work with Congress to forward NOAA’s mission, programs, and activities.

 

Hearing on Oil Spill R&D

On June 4, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Brian Baird, D WA-3), held a hearing on oil spill research and development (R&D). Witnesses at the hearing discussed how new or improved technologies could reduce response time and or environmental affects. The Incident Operations Coordinator in the Emergency Response Division of the Office of Response and Restoration from NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Doug Helton, testified. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

House Committee Markup on National Climate Service Bill

On June 3, the House Committee on Science and Technology (Chair, Representative Bart Gordon, D TN-6) approved HR 2407 by a vote of 24-12. As amended, the bill would create a climate service program office within NOAA, and calls on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to lead an interagency process over three years to evaluate, design, and establish a National Climate Service. NOAA has not taken a position on this bill.

 

Hearing on FY2010 Budget

On June 3, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Chair, Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, D TX-30) held a hearing on NOAA’s FY2010 Budget Request. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, John H. Dunnigan, testified. A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Representative Wasserman Schultz Representative Klein
Representative Wasserman Schultz
Representative Klein

Representative Wasserman Schultz and Representative Klein Host Hurricane Preparedness Summit

On June 1, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D FL-20) and Representative Ron Klein (D FL-22) hosted the Hurricane Preparedness Summit for the 2009 Hurricane Season at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center in Plantation, Florida. Representatives from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory briefed the two Members on the state of readiness for the season. The briefing was followed by a press event where everyone provided brief comments.