News and Updates Archive
January, February, and March 2009
March 2009
President Obama Signs Omnibus Public Lands Bill
On March 30, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The bill passed the Senate on March 19 as HR 146 and the House on March 25 The new law includes several NOAA related sections.
 |
DUS Mary M. Glackin |
Hearing on California Drought
On March 31, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chair, Representative Nick Rahall, D WV-3) held a hearing on the drought in California and actions taken by federal and state agencies to address the affects on natural resources and resource users. NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary M. Glackin, testified.
A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
House Passes Omnibus Public Lands Bill – Goes to President for Signature
On March 25, the House passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The bill passed the Senate on March 19 as HR 146 . The bill includes several NOAA related sections:
- Ocean exploration
- NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2009
- Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act
- Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009
- Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009
- Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELP)
- Secure water
Hearing on Climate Adaptation
On March 25, a hearing was held by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chair, Representative Ed Markey, D MA-7) on climate adaptation. The Director of NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, Tom Karl, testified.
A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
 |
Dr. Jane Lubchenco |
Dr. Lubchenco Confirmed by the Senate
On March 19, the Senate confirmed Dr. Jane Lubchenco to be the new Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere by unanimous consent. In this capacity, she will serve as the ninth administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the nation’s top science agency for climate, oceans, and the atmosphere. Dr. Lubchenco is the first woman and the first marine ecologist to lead NOAA.
"I am truly honored and humbled to be part of the NOAA team," Lubchenco said. "With hard work and the best science as our guide, NOAA can spur the creation of new jobs and industries, revive our fisheries and the economies and communities they support, improve weather forecasting and disaster warnings, provide credible information about climate change to Americans, and protect and restore our coastal ecosystems."
Senate Passes Omnibus Public Lands Bill for Second Time
On March 19, the Senate passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The bill (formerly S 22 which passed the Senate January 15, but failed in the House last week) passed the Senate as HR 146 and now moves back to the House where a vote is expected next week. The bill includes several NOAA related sections:
- Ocean exploration
- NOAA Undersea Research Program Act of 2009
- Ocean and Coastal Mapping Integration Act
- Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009
- Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009
- Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELP)
- Secure water
 |
Rebecca Lent |
Hearing on IUU Fishing Legislation
On March 19, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans, and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) held a hearing on HR 1080, the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing Enforcement Act of 2009. The Director of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service Office of International Affairs, Dr. Rebecca Lent, testified.
A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
 |
Tom Karl |
Hearing on Satellites and Climate Data
On March 18, a hearing was held by the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Chair, Representative Alan Mollohan, D WV-3) on satellites and climate data. The Director of NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center, Tom Karl, testified.
A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
 |
Dr. Susan Solomon |
Hearing on Climate Science
On March 17, a hearing was held by the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Chair, Representative Alan Mollohan, D WV-3) on climate science. The Senior Scientist for NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Dr. Susan Solomon, testified.
A copy of the written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
 |
Mary Kicza |
Congressional Staff Briefing on Earth Observations
On March 16, all interested Senate staff were briefed by the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Mary Kicza, and other NOAA representatives on NOAA’s Earth observation activities. The briefing highlighted NOAA’s efforts in collecting and utilizing ocean, atmospheric, and satellite observations. An overview was provided on the regional and integrated ocean observing systems, the GOES and POES satellites, and the assortment of data NOAA collects for weather, climate, and water research and forecasting.
A copy of the briefing document may be viewed on Congressional Policy Briefs page.
Senate Event for 20th Anniversary of Exxon Valdez
On March 13, the staff of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation sponsored an event for NOAA on the 20th Anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The event included exhibits and a briefing by a series of speakers, featuring Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Senator Mark Begich (D-AK), and Representative Jay Inslee (D WA-1). NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary M. Glackin, moderated the event. Over 100 people from a number of congressional offices, as well as federal, industry, and NGO organizations attended the event.
NOAA organized this event at the request of the Committee to highlight the evolution of oil spill response as affected by the largest spill in U.S. history in the context of NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration and other offices’ role in spill response, assessment, and restoration. While the event marked the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez, it mainly focused on the advancements made in spill preparedness, response, assessment and restoration at the federal and local level, and the future challenges facing the nation and how we need to be prepared for them.
 |
 |
Senator Murkowski |
From L to R: NOAA's DUS Mary M. Glackin and Representative Inslee. |
Maine Delegation Attends Fisherman’s Forum
On March 6, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Chellie Pingree (D ME-1), Representative Mike Michaud (D ME-2), and congressional staff from the entire Maine delegation joined the Acting Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Jim Balsiger, at the Maine Fisherman’s Forum in Rockport, Maine.
The Maine Fishermen's Forum is a three-day event with seminars and activities for New England fishermen, industry members, and decision makers. It provides an opportunity to learn about the fishing industry and marine resource issues and serves as a neutral platform for constructive discussion and decision-making.
Sanctuary Briefings on the Hill
On March 3-5, 33 congressional offices were briefed by the Director and Regional Directors of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The briefings updated Congress on the National Marine Sanctuary System. Seven of the briefings were attended by the Members including Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Representative Lois Capps (D CA-23), Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18), Delegate Gregorio Sablan (I-NMI), Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), and Representative Mike Thompson (D CA-1).
House Passes Two Bills
On March 2, the House of Representatives passed by HR 81, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009, to amend the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to improve the conservation of sharks. The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for consideration.
The House also passed HR 844, the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments of 2009, to amend the provisions of law relating to the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, and for other purposes. The bill has been received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for consideration.
February 2009
NOAA Climate Briefings for Congressional Staff
On February 23 and 27, over 75 congressional staff attended a series of four NOAA Climate Briefings that were presented by representatives of NOAA's climate programs and research laboratories, as well as NOAA's climate services leadership
The first set of briefings provided an overview of NOAA’s research in climate observations, monitoring, modeling, and assessments, and the importance of these efforts to our nation. The second set provided an overview of the types of climate services NOAA provides, how climate information is being used to address drought and water resource issues, and how NOAA is helping coastal and living marine resource managers adapt to a changing climate.
A copy of the briefing documents may be found on the Congressional Policy Briefs page of our website.
Hearing on HR 860
On February 25, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife (Chair, Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam), held a hearing on HR 860, the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009. The Director of NOAA’s Coral Reef Program, Kacky Andrews, testified and her written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
|
Dr. Jane Lubchenco |
Confirmation Hearing for Dr. Lubchenco
On February 12 , the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chair, Senator John Rockefeller, D-WV) held a hearing on the nomination of Dr. Jane Lubchenco to be the new Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced Dr. Lubchenco who then provided a statement and responded to questions from the Committee.
The Committee will recommend Dr. Lubchenco’s nomination to the full Senate. A vote on the Senate floor has not been scheduled at this time. Dr. Lubchenco's statement to the Committee may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
Hearing on Flood Forecasts
On February 11, the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Energy and Water (Chair, Senator Byron Dorgan, D-ND) held a hearing on the Flood Forecast for Devil’s Lake, North Dakota. The NOAA witness was Scott Dümmer, Hydrologist-In-Charge, NOAA’s National Weather Service North Central River Forecast Center, Chanhassen, Minnesota. Mr. Dümmer discussed the National Weather Service's prediction of a record water level, and associated flooding, for this spring at Devil's Lake in east-central North Dakota. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.
 |
From L to R: Scott Dümmer and Senator Dorgan. |
Representative Pomeroy Briefed on Flood Forecast
On February 11, Representative Earl Pomeroy (R ND-At Large) was briefed by Scott Dümmer, Hydrologist-In-Charge, NOAA’s National Weather Service North Central River Forecast Center, Chanhassen, Minnesota. Mr. Dümmer discussed the National Weather Service's prediction of a record water level, and associated flooding, for this spring at Devil's Lake in east-central North Dakota and associated river basins.
 |
From L to R: Scott Dümmer and Representative Pomeroy. |
Senator Hatch Hosts MOU Signing
On February 9, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) hosted the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), Mary Kicza, and the President of Utah State University for a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). NESDIS and Utah State University have been developing an agreement to enable greater coordination and cooperation between the scientists at NOAA's Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) and Utah State's Space Dynamics Laboratory. This MOU will enable greater scientific cooperation between the two entities in operational remote sensing, calibration and validation of satellite environmental sensors, and the development of enhanced products for environmental prediction from NOAA's operational satellites.
 |
From L to R: Senator Hatch and the AA of NESDIS, Mary Kicza. |
Congressional Staff Visit NSOF
On February 4, staff from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Science and Technology joined NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin, at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF) in Suitland, Maryland, for a satellite launch viewing event for the NOAA N-Prime satellite. Although the launch was cancelled, the staff received a tour of the facility and a briefing on its operations. The satellite was successfully launched on February 6.
Representative Thompson Meets WFO Staff
On February 2, Representative Glenn Thompson (R PA-5) met with staff from NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) – Pittsburgh, during the Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.
 |
 |
| From L to R: Representative Thompson, Congressional Intern, Rick Sollman (Congressional District Aid), and Rich Kane (NWS Pittsburgh). | Punxsutawney Phil and handler with Rich Kane from the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Pittsburgh. |
January
NOAA 101 Briefing for Congressional Staff
On January 26, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hosted a NOAA 101 briefing that was attended by over 60 congressional staff. The briefing was an opportunity to showcase NOAA and the services that we provide as well as introduce incoming Senate staff to the agency. A series of additional, more detailed, briefings will be scheduled as a follow-up. NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin, was the first presenter, and other NOAA leaders and representatives also spoke. These included the:
- Assistant Administrator, National Weather Service, Dr. Jack Hayes
- Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service, John H. Dunnigan
- Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service, Sam Rauch
- Assistant Administrator, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, Mary Kicza
- Assistant Administrator, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Dr. Rick Spinrad
- Director, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, RADM Jonathan W. Bailey
For a copy of the presentation, please visit our Policy Briefs page.
Representative Farr Attends Twin Otter Dedication
On January 12, Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17) joined the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Jack Dunnigan, the Director of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, RADM Jonathan Bailey, and other NOAA representatives at a dedication ceremony in Monterey, California. The Office of Marine and Aviation Operations dedicated the stationing of a NOAA Twin Otter aircraft along the West Coast to support NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, five National Marine Sanctuaries, and remote sensing missions from Baja to Alaska.
 |
 |
| In front of the NOAA Twin Otter (L to R): RADM Jonathan Bailey, Director of NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17); William Douros, Director of NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries West Coast Region; John Dunnigan, Assistant Administrator for NOAA's National Ocean Service; CAPT Brian Taggart, Commanding Officer, NOAA Aircraft Operations Center. | Representative Sam Farr (D CA-17) speaking at the West Coast Twin Otter Dedication Ceremony. |
Michigan Delegation Staff at GLERL Dedication
On January 7, staff from the offices of Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representative John Dingell (D MI-15) joined the Assistant Administrator of NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Rick Spinrad, and other NOAA representatives at a dedication ceremony in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The dedication was for a new building for NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL). The Laboratory is a leader on many Great Lakes’ issues, such as invasive species, lake levels, and the use of biofuel for its research ships. In its new space, the laboratory will expand its efforts to serve the Great Lakes region through research and partnerships.
 |
 |
 |
The 111th Congress Convenes
On Tuesday, January 6, the 111th Congress officially convened and began the 1st Session. At this time, the both the House and Senate are scheduled to be in session until February 13 when the President’s Day Work Period begins and they will be in recess until February 23.