News and Updates
November 2009
Senate Committee Markup of S 850 and S 1224
On November 19, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chair, Senator Jay Rockefeller, D-WV) held a markup that included two NOAA-related bills. S 850, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009, would amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks; and S 1224, the Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2009, would reauthorize NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Office. The Committee reported favorably on both bills, which now go to the Senate floor for a vote at a later date.
House Committee Markup of HR 1672 and HR 3644
On November 18, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Nick Rahall, D WV-3) held a markup on several bills, including two related to NOAA. HR 1672, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2009, would promote the protection of the resources of the Northwest Straits; and HR 3644, Bay-Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) Regional Program and National Environmental Literacy Grant Program Act, would direct NOAA to establish education and watershed programs which advance environmental literacy, including preparedness and adaptability for the likely impacts of climate change in coastal watershed regions. The Committee reported favorably on both bills, which now go to the House floor for a vote at a later date.
Senate and House Staff Briefing on Oceans and Human Health
On November 17, all interested Senate and House staff attended a briefing sponsored by the House Oceans Caucus on the health effects of chemicals in coastal waters. This was the second and last briefing in the Prescription for Healthy Oceans and People series. The briefing featured a panel of NOAA experts and partner representatives who discussed NOAA's efforts to monitor current and emerging chemicals of concern in coastal waters, and to understand potential human health effects associated with exposure to contaminated seafood or waters. For more information, please visit NOAA's Oceans and Human Health Initiative.
Senate and House Committee Staff Join NOAA at ICCAT
From November 6-15, staffers from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Natural Resources, joined NOAA officials at the 21st Regular Meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) in Recife, Brazil. Congressional staff attended the meeting because of two primary issues of interest to Congress — Bluefin tuna and North Atlantic swordfish. NOAA Statement at the Conclusion of ICCAT.
Senator Cardin and Representative Sarbanes at CBIBS Event
On November 11, Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Representative John Sarbanes (D MD-3) attended a NOAA Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System (CBIBS) event in Annapolis, Maryland. This event celebrated the deployment of the seventh buoy in the CBIBS, located at the mouth of the Severn River off Annapolis. The CBIBS provides real-time weather, water condition, and water-quality data and marks key points along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Three buoys are now located in Maryland waters; these will be joined by three additional buoys in the near future, including the one in Annapolis.
Senate Passes CJS Appropriations Bill
On November 5, the Senate passed the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, HR 2847, by a vote of 71-28. The bill would provide just over $4.77 billion to NOAA, and now goes to conference with the House.
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Dr. Lubchenco |
Senate Hearing on the Ocean Policy Task Force
On November 4, 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 the Ocean Policy Task Force. 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.