News and Updates Archive

April, May, and June 2009


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.

 

May 2009

 

Senator Cantwell
Senator Cantwell

Senator Cantwell Community Forum and Western Washington Radar Announcement

On May 28, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) hosted a community forum on the public release of a coastal weather radar study for Washington State, and recently-announced funding in the FY2010 President's Budget for a Doppler radar for western Washington. She was joined by the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Weather Service, Jack Hayes, at NOAA's Weather Forecast Office in Seattle, Washington.

 

 

Representative Scott
Representative Scott

Representative Scott and Congressional Staff Join NOAA at National Maritime Day

On May 22, Representative Bobby Scott (D VA-3) and staff from the offices of Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), and Representative Glenn Nye (D VA-2) joined NOAA leaders at National Maritime Day (NMD) in Norfolk, Virginia. NOAA’s Senior Advisor, Monica Medina, presented the keynote remarks, and she was joined at the event by the Director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, RADM Jonathan Bailey.

NMD is a national celebration, proclaimed each year by the President on May 22, honoring the selfless service and sacrifice of the American merchant marine and celebrates the contributions the maritime industry brings to Americans in terms of jobs, transportation, goods, and recreation. This year, Virginia's top maritime organizations chose to honor NOAA and its 200 year legacy by assembling a large event that drew several hundred maritime, government, congressional and business representatives from across the Commonwealth. The celebration highlighted the achievements of NOAA’s talented workforce and NOAA Corps Officers, and conveyed NOAA’s long-term vision of protecting, managing, and understanding our oceans, coasts, and skies. The day’s activities included speeches from NOAA senior officials, top officials from Virginia and the maritime industry; waterside wreath laying ceremony; a flyover from NOAA’s P-3 aircraft; and tours of the NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson.

 

Representative Klein
Representative Klein

Representative Klein, Congressional Staff, and other VIPs Attend Hurricane Rollout

On May 21, Representative Ron Klein (D FL-22) and about a dozen congressional staff joined the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and the Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Gary Locke, for a series of events at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, as part of NOAA’s Annual Hurricane Seasonal Outlook rollout. Other VIPs attending portions of the event included US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, USAF Reserve Commander Major General Martin Mazik, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, and US Attorney General Eric Holder.

 

NOAA Knows Climate - 3rd Annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill

On May 20, over 150 congressional staff and other guests attended the 3rd Annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill. NOAA Day was an opportunity for Members and staff to see demonstrations, view exhibits, interact with NOAA tools, and speak with NOAA experts and representatives from our Line and Program Offices. This year, NOAA highlighted climate change and the many services we provide the nation under the banner of NOAA Knows Climate.

There were two sections to NOAA Day. First, there were a series exhibits and display tables from each Line and other participating offices in the Rayburn Foyer from 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m..Some Members who were on their way to hearings did stop at our sign-in table on their way past to make sure to say hi including Representative David Wu (D OR-1), Representative Joe Wilson (R SC-2), and Representative Joseph Cao (R LA-2). In addition, actor Pierce Brosnan stopped to say hello on his way out from his Hill visits on whales. NOAA Knows Climate flyer [pdf]

In addition, there was a parallel series of briefings in Cannon from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. addressing a wide range of climate related issues of interest to Congress (Briefing Summary, including speakers [pdf]). These briefings were sponsored by Members including:

NOAA Day Exhibits NOAA Day Exhibits
NOAA Day Exhibits


Members of the House Join the Under Secretary at Reception

On May 20, the Friends of NOAA (a coalition of organizations and businesses that support our mission and programs) held a reception in the Rayburn Foyer for over 150 guests. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, provided the keynote remarks.

The Under Secretary was introduced by Admiral Watkins, Co-Chair of the Joint Ocean Commission, and was joined by a large number of leaders from the Friends of NOAA member organizations, as well as a number of congressional staff, and nine Members of Congress, including:

Four Members who attended also made remarks highlighting the importance of NOAA and their support of Dr. Lubchenco. They included:

Friends of NOAA Reception
Representative Rahall, Dr. Lubchenco, and Delegate Bordallo
Friends of NOAA Reception Friends of NOAA Reception
Dr. Lubchenco and Representative Wittman
Dr. Lubchenco, Representative Delahunt, and Representative Kennedy
Friends of NOAA Reception Friends of NOAA Reception
Representative Ehlers, Dr. Lubchenco, Representative Capps, and Admiral Watkins
Dr. Lubchenco, Representative DeFazio, and Representative Gordon

 

Representative Edwards
Representative Edwards

Representative Edwards Speaks at Space Weather Forum

On May 20, Representative Donna Edwards (D MD-4) provided keynote remarks and was joined by NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary M. Glackin, the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Weather Service, Jack Hayes, and the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental, Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Mary Kicza, at the Space Weather Enterprise Forum in Washington, DC. NOAA, in cooperation with NASA, DOD, and other federal agencies and partners, hosted the 3rd Annual Space Weather Enterprise Forum (SWEF) at the National Press Club. The Forum seeks to raise awareness of the increasing importance of space weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings to our technologically affluent society and our future way of life on this planet, and in space. This forum focused on the costs of space weather effects and the benefits of improved space weather services with an emphasis on the anticipated needs of the user community in 2010-2020.

 

Hearing on the International Whaling Commission

On May 20, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) held a hearing on the International Whaling Commission The NOAA witness was Dr. William Hogarth, the current U.S. Delegate to, and Chairman of, the IWC (until June 2009) and former Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. A separate written statement for the record from the Administration was also submitted. The purpose of the hearing was to allow the Committee to conduct oversight activities leading up to the annual meeting of the Commission to be held in Madeira, Portugal, at the end of June 2009. A copy of the written testimony and administration statement may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Representative Engel Hosts Teacher At Sea Reception

On May 14, Representative Eliot Engel (D NY-17) hosted a reception in honor of the 2009 NOAA Teacher at Sea. This year's featured teacher is Jacob Tanenbaum from New York. Representative Engel was joined by Representative Tim Holden (D PA-17), Representative Ed Markey (D MA-7) and staff from the office of Senator Mark Begich (D-AK). The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, provided remarks and was joined by other members of NOAA’s senior leadership. NOAA's Teacher at Sea Program sends kindergarten through college-level teachers out with NOAA research and survey ships, providing them with first-hand experience and knowledge of NOAA's research efforts that they can bring back to their students. Each year the TAS program features a teacher who participated in the program by publishing a book of his or her experience and arranging an event in his or her honor.

Representatives Engel and Holden
Representative Engel and Representative Holden with a student.
Teacher At Sea Students
Dr. Lubchenco and honored teacher, Jacob Tanenbaum, with students.

 

House Subcommittee Passes Draft Bill on National Climate Service

On May 13, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Brian Baird, D WA-3) marked up and passed a draft bill that would create a National Climate Service within NOAA. NOAA has not taken a position on this bill. The full Committee markup is scheduled for May 20.

 

House Passes Hurricane Preparedness Resolution

On May 13, the House of Representatives passed H Res 387, a resolution to supporting the goals and ideals of National Hurricane Preparedness Week. The Resolution was introduced by Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R FL-25).

 

Representative Ros-Lehtinen Hurricane Preparedness Summit

On May 9, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18) hosted her annual Hurricane Preparedness Summit for the Florida Keys. The goal of this event was to seek advice from national hurricane experts, including NOAA and FEMA, so that the Florida Keys community can prepare for this season's possible storms. Staff from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory provided remarks.

Hurricane Summit
Representative Ros-Lehtinen (center of table) moderating the panel. The Director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center, Bill Read, explains the lessons learned from the 2008 hurricane season.

 

Representative Murphy
Representative Murphy

Representative Murphy Press Conference on GOES-R Award

On May 8, Representative Patrick Murphy (D PA-8) held a press conference to highlight the recent award of the GOES-R spacecraft contract to Lockheed Martin. A portion of the work on the system will be completed in his district. A representative of NOAA's National Weather Service participated to highlight the value of satellite data to local weather forecasting.

President Releases FY 2010 Budget Request

On May 7, President Barack Obama released his FY 2010 Budget Request. For details on the request for NOAA, please see our Blue Book.

 

Dr. Lubchenco
Dr. Jane Lubchenco

Hearing on National Climate Service

On May 5, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Brian Baird, D WA-3) held a hearing titled “Expanding Climate Services at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Developing the National Climate Service”. The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

Congressional Staff Attend Hurricane Awareness Tour

On May 4-8, NOAA hurricane experts visited five East Coast cities aboard a NOAA P-3 hurricane hunter aircraft to raise awareness about storm threats and the danger of being caught without a personal hurricane plan. Staff from the offices of Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH), Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Representative Virginia Foxx (R NC-5), Representative David Price (D NC-4), and Representative Larry Kissell (D NC-8) attended some of the tour events and briefings. The stops included Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Farmingdale, Long Island, New York; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Wilmington, North Carolina; and Key West, Florida.

 

Hearing on the 2009 Hurricane Season

On May 1, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management (Chair, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-DC) held a field hearing in Miami, Florida, on the 2009 hurricane season. The Deputy Director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, Dr. Edward Rappaport, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on the Congressional Testimony page.

 

 

April 2009

Hearing on GOES-R GAO Report

On April 23, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Brian Baird, D WA-3) held a hearing on the GOES-R GAO report. The Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Mary Kicza, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

House Committee Moves Coral Reauthorization Bill

On April 22, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Nick Rahall, D VA-3) approved HR 860, the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009. The bill would give NOAA new authority to respond to and enforce against any harm to coral reefs and would codify a coral reef task force created in 2000. The bill now moves to the House floor for consideration and no date has been set yet for a vote.

 

Hearing on Greenhouse Gas Monitoring

On April 22, the House Committee on Science and Technology (Chair, Representative Bart Gordon, D TN-6) held a hearing on NOAA’s greenhouse gas and aerosol monitoring activities. The Director of NOAA’s Earth System Research Lab, Dr. Alexander MacDonald, testified and a copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Representative Nye Staff Visit NOAA Station

On April 20, staff from the office of Representative Glenn Nye (D VA-2) visited the NOAA Command and Data Acquisition Station in Wallops, Virginia, for a briefing on the facility and its programs and activities.

 

Representative Wittman
Representative Wittman

Representative Wittman Visits USS Monitor Sanctuary

On April 15, Representative Rob Wittman (R VA-1) visited the office of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary in Newport News, Virginia. During the visit he was briefed by NOAA staff on the Sanctuary’s programs and activities and toured the USS Monitor Center at the Mariner’s Museum. He was also briefed by staff in the Conservation Lab and was able to view the revolving gun turret of the Monitor that is currently being restored.

Representative Wittman has recently joined the congressional National Marine Sanctuary Caucus that is co-chaired by Representative Lois Capps (D CA-23) and Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18).


Senator Hagan
Senator Hagan

Senator Hagan Visits NCDC

On April 15, Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) visited NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, North Carolina. She received a tour of the facility and an overview of the Center and its work.

 

 

 

Senator Inouye Honored at Sanctuary Center Opening

On April 13, Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) joined the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, at the grand opening of NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Learning Center in Kilhei, Maui, Hawaii. The new Sanctuary Learning Center will enhance protection of the sanctuary by providing a venue for education programs and facilities that support research and resource protection activities. The ceremony recognized Senator Inouye for his support for this facility and also others who helped establish the programs of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary in Kihei, Maui.

Dr. Lubchenco and Senator Inouye Dr. Lubchenco and Senator Akaka
Dr. Lubchenco and Senator Inouye
Senator Akaka and Dr. Lubchenco
Senator Inouye and Senator Akaka
Senator Inouye (left) and Senator Akaka (right)

 

Senator Shelby and Representative Bonner Attend Museum Groundbreaking

On April 9, Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) and Representative Jo Bonner (R AL-1) joined the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, John H. Dunnigan, for the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the National Museum of the Gulf of Mexico in Mobile, Alabama. NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Maritime Heritage Program has been consulting with the Museum on the preliminary design and content of various exhibits.

Senator Shelby Representative Bonner
Senator Shelby
Representative Bonner