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News and Updates: March - June 2008

June 2008

 

Jack Hayes

Congressional Hearing on Hurricane Bill

On June 26, the Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Weather Service, Jack Hayes, testified at a joint hearing before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chairman Nick Lampson, D TX-22) and Subcommittee on Research and Science Education (Chairman Brian Baird, D WA-3). The hearing was on HR 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative Act.

The bill is based on the 2007 National Science Board Report "Hurricane Warning: The Critical Need for National Hurricane Initiative," and would establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative (HRI). The goal of the HRI is to improve hurricane forecasting and community resiliency, and to mitigate effects on coastal populations and environments. The bill is sponsored by Representative Alcee Hastings (D FL-23), and co-sponsored by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18) and 38 other Members of the House. Related bills are HR 1832 and S 931. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Congressional Hearing on Estuaries

On June 26, the Director of NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, Dave Kennedy, testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water, Resources, and Environment (Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D TX-30) on Protecting and Restoring America's Great Waters: Coasts and Estuaries. NOAA's testimony addressed estuaries through the lens of three specific programs: the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELP), and the NMFS Habitat Restoration Program. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Major estuaries in the eastern United States. Estuarine habitats are typically found where rivers meet the sea. (Credit: NOAA)

 

Congressional Briefing on Status of U.S. Fisheries

On June 26, the Acting Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, Jim Balsiger, briefed interested congressional staff on the status of U.S. fisheries. Each year, NOAA compiles information from the quarterly reports of the Status of U.S. Fisheries, pursuant to the requirements of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The report details the overfished and overfishing status of fisheries managed by NOAA. This year's report (a recap of 2007) is a positive story, with seven fish stocks taken off the overfishing list, and no new stocks becoming overfished or experiencing overfishing.

 

U.S. House of Representatives Committee Markup

On June 25, the House Committee on Science and Technology (Chairman Bart Gordon, D TN-6) considered HR 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 (FOARMA), and HR 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. The Committee favorably reported both bills as amended to the House.

 

Margaret Davidson

Congressional Hearing on Climate Change and Adaptation

On June 24, the Director of NOAA's National Ocean Service Coastal Services Center, Margaret Davidson, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) on Planning for Climate Change and Its Effects on Wildlife and Oceans: State and Federal Efforts and Needs. NOAA's testimony addressed how we are working with states and other partners on planning and adaptation, as well as how we incorporate climate change information into resource management decisions. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Congressional Hearing on Climate Change Effects on Transportation

On June 24, a physical scientist from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center, Dr. Tom Peterson, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) on Climate Change Effects on the Transportation Sector. In his testimony, Dr. Peterson highlighted a recently released report on climate and the transportation sector that he discussed in a recent forum held on the Senate side. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

U.S. Senate Committee Markup

On June 24, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology considered several items, including:

• S 2907, the International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act, was reported favorably by the Committee. The bill has several important components that will strengthen NOAA's role in international fisheries management and improve our ability to enforce and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service provided dozens of rounds of technical drafting assistance to the Committee on this bill.
• S 3160, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008, was reported favorably by the Committee without amendments. The bill will reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program, which provides $675 million for education, training, scientific research, and extension services for 2009-2014.
• S____, the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2008, was marked-up, but has not yet been introduced. The House passed version of the 2008 NASA Reauthorization Bill has multiple provisions that could affect NOAA related to research to operations, space weather observations, aviation weather research, and satellite cost research. We expect many of these provisions to be included in the Senate version once it is introduced. In addition, prior to the markup, there was an amendment to the bill agreed to by both sides calling on NASA to not impede scientific research or its dissemination and requested NASA report to Congress on the status of policies to address the dissemination of research and federal agency media policy.
• The Committee approved promotions for NOAA's Commissioned Corps.

Senator Cochran Attends PORTS Ceremony

On June 21, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) joined NOAA's Deputy Under Secretary, Mary Glackin, at the opening ceremony to mark NOAA's Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) becoming fully operational in Gulfport, Mississippi. Gulfport is the third busiest container port in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and becomes the 16th PORTS location in the United States.

Senator Thad Cochran touring the Port of Gulfport via tugboat with NOAA staff. (Credit: NOAA)

 

VADM Lautenbacher

Congressional Hearing on NPOESS

On June 19, the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), testified before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chairman Nick Lampson, D TX-22) on the GAO report on the NPOESS Program. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

U.S. Senate CJS Markup

On June 19, the Senate Committee on Appropriations (Chairman Robert Byrd, D-WV) held its markup of the CJS appropriations bill. They unanimously approved a $4.45 billion budget for NOAA for FY 2009. The Senate bill proposes $200 million more for NOAA than the House measure. The House Committee on Appropriations was scheduled to vote on their bill on June 19 as well, but the markup was postponed.

 

Congressional Hearing on NMSA Reauthorization

On June 18, NOAA's Assistant Administrator for the National Ocean Service, Jack Dunnigan, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) on reauthorization of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA). The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology Markup

On June 18, the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chairman Nick Lampson, D TX-22) considered HR 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 (FOARMA), and HR 5618, the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008. Both bills were referred favorably to the full Committee.

 

Chairman Mollohan Visits NSOF

On June 16, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies, Representative Alan Mollohan (D WV-1), joined NOAA's Deputy Under Secretary, Mary Glackin, for a tour of the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF), in Suitland, Maryland.

Representative Mollohan	NOAA Satellite Operations Facility in Suitland, Maryland.

 

Senator Levin Helps Launch New Sanctuary Exhibit

On June 14, Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) visited NOAA's Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Saturday, June 14th to attend the grand opening event for the Center's permanent exhibit, Exploring the Shipwreck Century, located in Alpena, Michigan . Several events celebrated the unveiling of the new permanent exhibit about the sanctuary, its historic resources, and the science of their preservation.

Senator Levin arrived prior to the start of the event and NOAA Sanctuary staff provided a tour of the exhibit. The Senator noted the impressive, full experience that each visitor to the exhibit will have and the outstanding learning opportunity the Center now offers all who visit. Later that evening at the gala grand opening dinner, Senator Levin provided laudatory remarks to the audience about the Sanctuary, the new exhibit at the Center, and the strong partnership between NOAA and the Alpena community.

Senator Carl Levin at NOAA's Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in honor of the opening of their new exhibit, Exploring the Shipwreck Century.

 

Representative Skelton

Representative Skelton Tours WFO

On June 13, Representative Ike Skelton (D MO-4) visited NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Kansas City, Missouri. Representative Skelton toured the office and received a NWS 101 briefing, along with a review of NOAA's
FY 2009 budget request.

 

 

VADM Lautenbacher

VADM Lautenbacher Addresses House Aerospace Caucus

On June 12, the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), addressed a luncheon sponsored by Aerospace Industries Association for the House Aerospace Caucus. The Vice Admiral spoke on the future of Earth observations with a focus on research to operations and climate services.

Members of the Caucus that attended included Representatives Dave Weldon (R FL-15), Norm Dicks (D WA-6), Donald Manzullo (R IL-16), Tom Feeney (R FL-24), Tim Mahoney (D FL-16), and Bob Etheridge (D NC-2).

 

U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources Markup

On June 11, the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chairman Nick Rahall, D WV-3) considered:

• HR 5451, the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008. HR 5451 was pulled from the schedule. Chairman Rahall made a general statement that the bill was being pulled in order for some issues to be worked out in a bipartisan fashion after amendments were proposed that would expand offshore oil and gas leasing.
• HR 5741, the Shark Conservation Act of 2008. Delegate Faleomavaega (D-AS) offered an amendment to the bill that would require sharks to be landed with fins naturally attached in all fisheries nationwide. The amendment was agreed to and the amended bill was reported to the full House.
  

Chairwoman Bordallo Attends Fish Fry

On June 11, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), and 29 congressional staffers, joined NOAA leadership and staff at the annual NOAA Fish Fry.

 

Congressional Hearing on the IWC

On June 10, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) held an oversight hearing on the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in advance of the 60th meeting of the IWC to be held in Santiago, Chile from June 23-27, 2008. Bill Hogarth, U.S. Commissioner to the IWC, was the NOAA witness. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Senator Reed

Senator Reed Speaks at Symposium

On June 9, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined NOAA's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Tim Keeney, at the National Symposium on Shellfish and the Environment in Warwick, Rhode Island. NOAA hosted the Symposium to increase broad understanding of the key environmental issues surrounding shellfish aquaculture. Senator Reed provided remarks as the featured lunchtime speaker on Monday, June 9.

 

Representative Stupak

Sanctuary Expansion Bill Introduced in the House

On June 5, Representative Bart Stupak (D MI-1) introduced HR 6204, a bill to expand the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve and for other purposes. The bill was referred to House Committee on Natural Resources. HR 6204 contains the exact same language as its companion bill, S 2281.

 

Congressional Hearing on Ocean Acidification

On June 5, a Supervisory Chemical Oceanographer at NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Richard Feely, testified before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chairman Nick Lampson, D TX-22) on HR 4174, the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2007 (FOARMA). The hearing reviewed what ocean acidification is, what research NOAA is doing on it, and the Administration's views on HR 4174. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Dr. William J. Brennan

U.S. Senate Approves NOAA Nomination

On June 4, the Senate approved the nomination of Dr. William J. Brennan to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.

Dr. Brennan has dedicated his career to marine and environmental policy matters at the state, regional, national and international level. In June 2002, President Bush appointed Dr. Brennan as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Affairs for NOAA. In this position, he has been responsible for leading NOAA's international efforts associated with the global oceans, atmosphere and space, to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, conserve and manage coastal and marine resources, protect life and property, and to provide decision makers with reliable scientific information.

Dr. Brennan was also designated by Commerce Secretary Gutierrez and Energy Secretary Bodman as the acting director of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), the interagency program that coordinates and integrates scientific research on changes in climate and related systems. CCSP is composed of 13 federal scientific agencies and integrates the planning and budgeting of federal climate and global change activities.

 

NOAA at Capitol Hill Oceans Week (CHOW)

On June 3-5, NOAA had a 'One NOAA' exhibit during CHOW, and a number of NOAA offices and personnel sponsored, and participated in, various panels, including those highlighted below.

 

Representative Baird

Representative Baird Speaks During Coral Reef Panel

On June 4, Representative Brian Baird (D WA-3) provided the opening remarks at the NOAA organized U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Congressional Coral Reef Ecosystem Panel held during Capitol Hill Oceans Week. NOAA's Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Tim Keeney, provided welcoming remarks. The forum was selected to highlight the International Year of the Reef 2008 and focused on the state of coral reef science, as well as innovative policy approaches needed to conserve coral reef ecosystems in the United States and internationally. Dr. Mark Eakin, of NESDIS, moderated the subsequent panel and audience discussion with Dr. Nancy Knowlton, of the Smithsonian Institution, who framed the global and local threats facing coral reefs; Dr. Lara Hansen, of EcoAdapt, who addressed global climate change effects on reefs; Dr. Rod Salm, of The Nature Conservancy, who spoke to managing for resilience; and Dr. Billy Causey, NOAA's Regional Director of the Southeast Region, National Marine Sanctuary Program, who highlighted the economic and ecological value of reefs.

 

Chairwoman Bordallo

Chairwoman Bordallo Keynote Speaker at Coral Reception

On June 4, Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, provided the keynote address at the NOAA organized Capitol Hill Oceans Week Coral Reception.

 

U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee Markup

On June 4, the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) approved three bills, and sent them to the full Committee on Natural Resources:

• HR 5451, the Coastal Zone Reauthorization Act of 2008, which included a manager's amendment from Chairwoman Bordallo that combined three additional bills into one package. HR 5452 (Coastal State Renewable Energy Promotion Act of 2008), HR 5453 (Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act) and HR 3223 (Keep our Waterfronts Working Act of 2007). The Administration testified before the Subcommittee on these bills in February 2008 and they were incorporated into HR 5451 per the Chairwoman's amendment, which passed the Subcommittee. Representative Jim Saxton (R NJ-3) offered two additional amendments, one of which he eventually withdrew for later discussion. The first amendment, which the Subcommittee passed, addresses the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) and the second withdrawn amendment established a community conservation grants program. The bill was reported out of the Subcommittee as amended.

• HR 5350, a bill to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to sell or transfer specific property located in Norfolk, Virginia to the City of Norfolk.

• HR 5741, the Shark Conservation Act of 2008.

DUS Glackin Addresses Marine Debris at CHOW

On June 4, NOAA's Deputy Under Secretary, Mary Glackin, participated on a panel titled Mermaids and Marine Debris: A Campaign to Keep Oceans Clean during Capitol Hill Oceans Week. DUS Glackin, and the other panelists, discussed state-of-the-art marine debris clean up efforts and the progress that is being made through public and private sector partnerships.

 

OAR AA Provides Keynote at CHOW

On June 3, NOAA's Assistant Administrator for the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Rick Spinrad, gave the keynote address during the opening session of Capitol Hill Oceans Week. AA Spinrad also gave a presentation on oceans and climate change and the importance of sustained ocean observations.

 

Representative Ros-Lehtinen

Representative Ros-Lehtinen Promotes Hurricane Preparedness

On June 2, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18) hosted her Hurricane Preparedness Summit for the Florida Keys for the second year. 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.The Director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center, Bill Read; the Director of NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Dr. Robert; and NOAA's National Weather Service Key West Weather Forecast Office Meteorologist In Charge, Matt Strahan, attended and provided remarks.

 

Representative Brown-Waite

Representative Brown-Waite and NOAA Weather Radios

On May 31, Representative Ginny Brown-Waite (R FL-5) joined the NOAA National Weather Service Forecast Office in Tampa at the Hernando County Hurricane Preparedness Expo for a presentation focused on the need for NOAA Weather Radios, their operation, set up, and special needs features.

 

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May 2008

 

Representative Wasserman Schultz

Representative Wasserman Schultz Joins NOAA at Hurricane Press Event

On May 29, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D FL-20) joined the Director of NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), Dr. Robert Atlas, in Miami at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center for a press briefing on the upcoming hurricane season. Dr. Atlas answered questions on the latest research conducted at AOML, specifically, research to reduce the cone of uncertainty and improve hurricane intensity forecasting. He also discussed NOAA's hurricane forecast for this year and preparation strategies.

Representative Cleaver Visits WFO

On May 29, Representative Emanuel Cleaver (D MO-5) visited the National Weather Service Forecast Office (WFO) in Kansas City. He received a tour of the WFO, and was given a NWS 101 briefing on office mission and operations, along with a short primer on the NOAA FY 2009 Budget. Representative Cleaver is a Member of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

Representative Cleaver and Judie Adolphson, MIC WFO Pleasant HIll, at the Kansas City Weather Forecast Office.

Fairbanks Station Tour

On May 28, congressional staff from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) toured NOAA's Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

Senator Whitehouse Joins VADM Lautenbacher at Ocean Science Summit 2008

On May 28, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) joined the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), at the Ocean Science Summit 2008 hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in Moss Landing, California. Senator Whitehouse and VADM Lautenbacher participated on a panel titled 'Achievements in Ocean Governance' and were joined by the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries Wildlife and Oceans Majority Staff Director, Jean Flemma; and Daniel Walker from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Christopher Sabine

Hearing on Climate Change on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

On May 27, an Oceanographer at NOAA's Pacific Environmental Laboratory, Christopher Sabine, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (Chairman Maria Cantwell, D-WA) during a field hearing in Seattle on the effects of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems in Washington state. Representative Jay Inslee (D WA-1) also attended the hearing. Dr. Sabine's testimony covered the results of his, and Dr. Richard Feely's, recent finding that acidic deep ocean waters are upwelling onto the continental shelf of North America. The Members were particularly interested in why the Pacific Northwest coast may be more vulnerable to acidic waters than other regions of the world. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Fire coral and mustard hill. Photo: Thomas K. Gibson (Credit: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary)

House Passes Coral Reef Resolution

On May 21, the House passed H Con Res 300, a resolution in support of the International Year of the Reef 2008 (IYOR 2008). The Resolution, introduced by Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans, urges the United States to "maintain its significant leadership role" in coral reef conservation. It encourages the federal government to improve understanding of threats to coral reefs, develop practical and innovative solutions, and implement effective management strategies.

As Co-Chair of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, NOAA is taking an active role in the IYOR 2008. The IYOR 2008 was declared by the International Coral Reef Initiative, of which the United States hosts the joint Secretariat with Mexico.

To educate Members of Congress and their staff about IYOR 2008 and to engage them in related activities, NOAA's Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), in conjunction with NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program, is developing a series of Congressional Policy Briefs. These Briefs complement other OLA educational and legislative efforts on the Hill and will help us to further educate Congress about the importance of coral reef ecosystems and the many issues related to the conservation, management, and protection of these rainforests of the sea. These Briefs may be viewed on our Policy Briefs page.

House Passes Fisheries Resolution

On May 21, the House passed SJ Res 17, which calls on U.S. officials to establish agreements with other Arctic nations on fish management and to make sure they conform with the United Nations' agreements on fish conservation. The Senate approved the measure, introduced Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), last October.

Jane Luxton

Hearing on Right Whale Ship Strike

On May 21, NOAA's General Counsel, Jane Luxton, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources (Chairman Nick Rahall, D WV-3) on the Endangered Species Act and the Right Whale ship strike rule.

The North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) is one of the most critically endangered large whale species in the world; the latest NOAA peer-reviewed stock assessment indicates that a minimum of 313 individuals were estimated to have existed in 2002. NOAA's testimony reviewed some of the threats to Right Whales. To address these threats, NOAA, in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, developed a right whale ship strike reduction program, which includes rulemaking to reduce ship speeds in areas where right whales occur. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Craig McLean

Hearing on Sea Grant Reauthorization

On May 21, the Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Craig McLean, testified before the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment (Chairman Nick Lampson, D TX-22).

The purpose of this hearing was to discuss some of the recently proposed NOAA changes to HR 5618, as well as to highlight the Sea Grant Program's past accomplishments, activities and effectiveness. During his testimony, Deputy AA McLean described the main differences between HR 5618 and the administration bill that was released the day before the hearing. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

DUS Mary Glackin

Space Weather Forum

On May 21, NOAA, in cooperation with NASA, DOD, and other federal agencies and partners, hosted the 2nd Annual Space Weather Enterprise Forum 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.

The Chair of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, Representative Nick Lampson (D TX-22) provided the luncheon keynote. He was joined at the luncheon by the Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin, and the Assistant Administrator of NOAA's National Weather Service, Jack Hayes.

NOAA Hosts Congressional Reception

On May 20, the Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin, spoke at a NOAA/NASA reception held in conjunction with the Space Weather Enterprise Forum.

Representative Mark Udall (D CO-2) was the congressional sponsor. Representative Ron Klein (D FL-22) and Representative Tom Feeney (R FL-24) attended the reception along with a number of congressional staff.

Dr. William J. Brennan

Senate Committee Approves NOAA Nomination and Bills

On May 15, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) voted in favor of the nomination of Dr. William J. Brennan to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The Committee also voted favorably on two bills related to sanctuary expansion that will more than double the size of existing marine sanctuaries off the coast of northern California and in the Great Lakes:
S 2635, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act, and S 2281, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act.

The Committee also voted favorably on HR 1006, the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Amendments of 2007, which assists NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service with the recovery and rehabilitation of stranded animals.

Hearing on Pacific Salmon

On May 15, the Regional Administrator of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Southwest Region, Rodney McInnis, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) on the low returns of Pacific Salmon to the California Central Valley as well as the recently remanded biological opinions regarding the operation of water projects on the Sacramento River. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Hearing on Water Supply Challenges for the 21st Century

On May 14, the Director of NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), Roger Pulwarty, testified before the House Committee on Science and Technology (Chairman Bart Gordon,
D TN-6) on Water Supply Challenges for the 21st Century. Mr. Pulwarty discussed the development of NIDIS, the information/data currently available to local, state and regional water decision-makers and what is needed to better prepare the nation for challenges related to drought. This hearing has been one of the efforts by the committee to find ways to promote research and development addressing the problems of water shortages and deteriorating water quality. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Hearing on Great Lakes' Water Quality

On May 12, a Physical Research Scientist at NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Dr. Craig Stow, testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment (Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, D TX-30) during a field hearing on Great Lakes' water quality that was held in Port Huron, Michigan. The hearing focused on the environmental and human health effects of nutrient loading and eutrophication to the Great Lakes' region. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Hearing on Climate Modeling

On May 8, the Deputy Assistant Administrator of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and Director of NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory, Dr. Sandy MacDonald, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) on NOAA's climate modeling activities. Dr. MacDonald's testimony covered why climate models are important; our activities, role, and expertise in climate change computing; applications for improved models of climate change; and computing needs of the future. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden

On May 8, the Director of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, Peyton Robertson, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) on management, conservation, and science related to Atlantic menhaden. The hearing also reviewed two bills that would prohibit commercial harvest of Atlantic menhaden for reduction purposes in the coastal waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone:

• HR 3840, proposed by Representative Jim Saxton (R NJ-3)
• HR 3841, proposed by Representative Wayne Gilchrest (R MD-1)

The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

NHC Director Visits Members of Congress

On May 6 and 7, the Director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center (NHC), Bill Read, met with a number of Members of Congress, or their staff, including:

• Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
• Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL)
• Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) - staff
• Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL)
• Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) - staff
• Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
• Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC)
• Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation) - staff
• Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) - staff
• Staff from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D FL-20)
• Representative Alan Mollohan (D WV-1)
• Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18)
• Representative Charlie Melancon (D LA-3)
• Representative Nick Lampson (D TX-22)
• Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R FL-25)
• Representative Bob Inglis (R SC-4)
• Representative Ron Klein (D FL-22)
• Representative Henry Brown (R SC-1) - staff
  

Bill Read became Director of the NHC in January, and discussed on-going operations at the NHC and preparations for the 2008 hurricane season, which begins June 1.

Hearing on FY 2009 Budget

On May 6, the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard (Chairman Maria Cantwell, D-WA) on the FY 2009 NOAA Budget Request.

The hearing also addressed two bills related to sanctuary expansion that would more than double the size of existing marine sanctuaries off the coast of northern California and in the Great Lakes:

• S 2635, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act, introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) on February 13.
• S 2281, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act, introduced by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) on November 1, 2007. The Superintendent of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Jeff Gray, testified as the NOAA witness.

The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

 

Hearing on Aviation Emissions

On May 6, a research physicist at NOAA's Earth System Research Laboratory, Dr. David Fahey, testified before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Aviation (Chairman Jerry Costello, D IL-12) on the affect of aviation emissions on the environment. The goal of the hearing was to educate the Members on the affect of aviation emissions on climate change, which has been heavily discussed in Europe but not yet in the United States. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

Maine Delegation Praise NWS Efforts

On May 2, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Tom Allen
(D ME-1) and Representative Michael Michaud (D ME-2) attended a briefing on the historical flood event on the St. John River in Fort Kent, Maine. The briefing was hosted by emergency managers and law enforcement representatives, who were joined by staff from NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Caribou, Maine. The WFO was praised for the timely and accurate information they provided and the 24/7 support given during the flood.

The Members of the Maine Delegation thanked the NWS staff in attendance for the timely warning information and great teamwork provided.

"The Caribou Weather Station played an integral role in coordinating with emergency responders to obtain and disseminate vital information that I am convinced helped save lives."
- Senator Olympia Snowe

Left to right - WFO Caribou Service Hydrologist Mark Turner, WFO Caribou MIC Hendricus Lulofs, Senator Snowe.	Left to right - Representative Michael Michaud, WFO Caribou Service Hydrologist Mark Turner

 

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April 2008

Red Snapper Event with Representative Lampson

On April 25, NOAA participated in a town hall meeting in Representative Nick Lampson's (D TX-22) district in the Galveston Bay area to discuss red snapper management. Members of the public, including recreational fishermen and environmental representatives, attended the event. Representative Lampson moderated the event, and an official from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Region answered questions from the audience.

Left to right - Dr. Roy Crabtree, Regional Administrator, NMFS Southeast Region; John Parker, Commissioner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Representative Nick Lampson

April 22 - House Passes Resolution for International Year of the Reef

H Res 1112, introduced by Representative Brian Baird (D WA-3), was passed by the House by voice vote. The Resolution recognizes the International Year of the Reef 2008 and the work of NOAA and other federal agencies to preserve coral reefs around the world. To learn more about the International Year of the Reef, please visit our 2008 Congressional Policy Briefs page.

April 19 - Representative Sarbanes Joins NOAA Volunteers

Before the scenic backdrop of the Patapsco River, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and ten acres of thriving wetland, Representative John Sarbanes (D MD-3) addressed the many volunteers gathered for NOAA Restoration Day at Fort McHenry.  Representative Sarbanes joined Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, Jr. Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere; Paul Bitzel, Supervisor of Curatorial Services - National Park Service; and Dave Pittinger, Executive Director of the National Aquarium in Baltimore; in expressing his thanks to more than 60 NOAA employees, friends, and family members and the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Aquarium Conservation Team for the hard day’s work they were about to begin.

Left to right - Paul Bitzel, Supervisor of Curatorial Services - National Park Service; Representative John Sarbanes; Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.	Left to right - Dave Pittinger, Executive Director of the National Aquarium in Baltimore; Representative John Sarbanes; Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator.

April 19 - Ground Breaking With Representative Mollohan

The Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin, joined Representative Alan Mollohan (D WV-1) at the groundbreaking for the Canaan Valley Institute's Research and Education Center. Representative Mollohan was the keynote speaker and there was also a tour of NOAA’s air quality and research station at the Institute.

Deputy Under Secretary Mary Glackin and Representative Alan Mollohan.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Canaan Valley Institute’s Research and Education Center.

Rebecca Lent

April 16 - Hearing on Shark Finning and IUU

The Director of International Affairs for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, Rebecca Lent, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam). The hearing focused on the implementation of the 2006 amendments to the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act related to Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported fishing; and HR 5741, an act 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 Shark Conservation Act of 2008.

“I consider the United States to be a leader in domestic and international shark conservation. In addition to the ban on shark finning, NOAA has implemented a number of other domestic regulations to conserve shark stocks, such as catch quotas, gear restrictions, and limiting entry into fisheries. Internationally, we have worked hard to end the practice of shark finning, and to reduce shark bycatch,” said Dr. Lent.

There was general agreement at the hearing on the importance of combating illegal fishing and the need to conserve sharks internationally, but there were also some concerns about unintended consequences of the bill. The committee has expressed their desire to work with NOAA and other partners to refine the language to ensure that it is enforceable and that it meets the intent without hampering legal shark fisheries. Representative Henry Brown (R SC-1) also attended the hearing. He wanted to ensure the bill wouldn't negatively affect legal domestic shark fisheries. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

April 15 - Representative Capp's Staff Fly Over Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Staff from the office of Representative Lois Capps (D CA-23), Co-Chair of the House National Marine Sanctuary Caucus, flew over the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) aboard the NOAA Twin Otter N56RF. During the flight, NOAA staff conducted a survey to collect vessel and visitor use information, in conjunction with a marine mammal survey. They demonstrated the SAMSAP (Sanctuary Aerial Monitoring and Spatial Analysis Program) data collection software and discussed how the sanctuary program utilizes the data for management purposes. NOAA staff also demonstrated a coastal mapping digital camera system onboard from NOAA’s Remote Sensing Division and discussed potential uses of the camera for sanctuary purposes. Ben Waltenberger and Natalie Senyk of CINMS discussed the ten year aerial sightings distribution and abundance database and the plans for this year’s monitoring effort and inter-agency cooperation. They also discussed the upcoming permanent stationing of a NOAA Twin Otter in Monterey, California and its ability to support regional NOAA programs.

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary - April 2008

 

April 10 - House Appropriations Subcommittee NOAA Budget Hearing

The Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.), testified before the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Chairman Alan Mollohan, D WV-1) on the FY2009 NOAA Budget Request. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

April 10 - 2nd Annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill

NOAA held its
2nd Annual NOAA Day on Capitol Hill in the Rayburn House Office Building foyer, which featured displays of NOAA’s scientific achievements staffed by NOAA professionals.

Over 250 people attended the event throughout the day, including over 200 congressional staffers from the Senate and House. In addition, we were honored by five Members of Congress who joined us and viewed the displays:

• Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans

• Representative Rodney Frelinghuysen (R NJ-11), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

• Representative Vern Ehlers (R MI-3), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Science Education

• Representative Mike Honda (D CA-15), Member of the House Committee on Appropriations

• Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs

The Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., USN (Ret.); the Deputy Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Mary Glackin; and other members of NOAA’s leadership also attended.

Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo viewing the exhibits at NOAA Day.
On the left - Representative Frelinghuysen at the National Marine Fisheries Service exhibit.	Left to right - Representative Vern Ehlers at NOAA Day with Eric Webster, Director of NOAA's Office of Legislative Affairs.
Commander Randy TeBeest of NOAA Corp explaining some of the instruments used when obtaining hurricane observations.

 

James Balsiger

April 3 - NOAA Testifies Before Senate Hearing on Combating Illegal International Commercial Fishing

Acting Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, James Balsiger, testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) on the management and enforcement of international fisheries. The hearing focused on international fisheries issues, including Regional Fisheries Management Councils, compliance reporting, and enforcement on the high seas.

There has been growing interest in international fisheries management on the Hill. Both the House Committee on Natural Resources (Majority) and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Minority) are drafting legislation to strengthen NOAA's authority to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and work multilaterally to manage international fisheries. The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

April 3 - NOAA Testifies at Sea Grant Reauthorization Hearing

Assistant Administrator for NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, Dr. Richard Spinrad, testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans (Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo, D-Guam) on legislation to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program (HR 5618). The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

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March 2008

March 31 - House Passes Three NOAA Related Bill

The United States House of Representatives passed HR 1187, the Gulf of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Modification and Protection Act, by voice vote under Suspension of the Rules.  The bill, sponsored by Representative. Lynn Woolsey (D CA-6) was passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources in mid-March 2008, and has a companion bill, S 2635, awaiting markup by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 
HR 1187 would more than double the area protected by the two central California sanctuaries by extending their boundaries northward and westward.  NOAA supports the legislation’s overall goal to protect sensitive and nationally significant marine areas along the California coast; and was pleased with the House Committee on Natural Resources' recent changes to the legislation to include an authorization of additional appropriations for the expanded area and remove certain mandated prohibitions, such as aquaculture activities.

The House of Representatives passed two other bills of importance to NOAA under Suspension of the Rules. The two bills were HR 3352, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2008 (HSIA), sponsored by Representative Don Young (R-AK); and HR 2342, the National Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing Systems Act of 2008 (NICOOS), introduced by Representative Tom Allen (D ME-1). Both bills were passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources earlier in March and have companion bills awaiting floor action in the Senate.

The HSIA, as passed by the House, is similar to the bill submitted by the Administration in the spring of 2007. The most noteworthy difference is the mandate that NOAA use the Brooks Act when contracting for hydrographic data; the Administration bill provided more flexibility for NOAA when it comes to contracting with the private sector. The HSIA companion bill in the Senate is S 1582.

This is the first time the House has passed a NICOOS authorization bill, although the Senate has passed similar legislation during the last three Congresses. NOAA is optimistic that this bill will eventually be passed in the Senate as well and moved forward for the President's signature. The NICOOS companion bill in the Senate is S 950.

March 28 - Congressional Staff Visit NCWCP Building

Staff from the office of Representative Steny Hoyer (D MD-5) and the Senate Committee on Appropriations toured the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) will be a “green” crown jewel of a new 50-acre section of the University of Maryland's M-Square Research and Technology Park, in College Park, Md.

March 24 - Representative Ros-Lehtinen Visits AOML

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R FL-18) visited NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory in Miami, Florida. She spent about two hours at the facility and spoke to NOAA scientists in the Oceanography Engineering and Environmental Microbiology labs and received an overview of the Florida Coastal Programs.

Bob Atlas and Joe Cione show an example of the unmanned aircraft NOAA is testing for flying at low levels into hurricanes  (as low as 300 ft.)	Uli Rivero shows the red “M&M” mini drifter they built for use in FL Bay' shallow waters.
The Congresswoman with Dr. Bob Atlas (AOML Director) and Dr. Silvia Garzoli's lab shown with an instrument custom built to measure ocean circulation in the Atlantic and describe any changes that might impact climate.

March 19 - NOAA Pacific Service Director Testifies on Climate Change

The Director of the NOAA Pacific Services Center, Bill Thomas, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (Chairman Daniel Inouye, D-HI) on the Effects of Climate Change on Hawaii and Pacific Islands. He said: “Island communities, such as Hawaii and other Pacific Islands, are particularly susceptible to climate change impacts.”  He cited the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-AR4) and similar reports which identify small island communities like those in the Pacific as particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change.

These changes, he said, include reducing the value of tourist destinations because of the combined effect of increasing ocean temperatures and ocean acidification on coral reef resources; sea level rise; declining fresh water resources; and the accelerating rate of non-native species because of rising temperatures.  The written testimony may be viewed on our Congressional Testimony page.

March 18 - Senator Murkowski Visits NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Institute

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) visited the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service's Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute (TSMRI) in Juneau.  She was provided a tour of the laboratory by its director Phil Mundy.  The TSMRI was dedicated in August 2007 and is the headquarters of the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Auke Bay Laboratories.  The laboratory provides information on fish stocks, fish habitats and the chemistry of marine environments widely used for commercial and governmental purposes, including fisheries management.  It has 69,000 square feet of offices, sea water and analytical laboratories, and yard storage.
 

March 19 - Representative Mario Diaz-Balart Tours National Hurricane Center

Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R FL-25) visited NOAA's National Weather Service National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami and met the new Director, Bill Read. Representative Diaz-Balart serves on the House Committee on Science and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, and the NHC borders his district.

March 8 - Representative Boswell Visits Des Moines Weather Forecast Office

Representative Leonard Boswell (D IA–3) visited the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Des Moines, Iowa during an open house event. Representative Boswell was particularly interested in hydro/flooding concerns given the substantial snowpack across portions of the state. He also expressed interest in aviation weather services as he is a pilot and flies often. Meteorologist-in-Charge Brenda Brock gave an overview of the aviation program and where information can be found on the internet. The Representative mentioned he was a frequent user of National Weather Service radar information.

Left to right - Kenny Podrazik (Meteorologist Intern), Representative Leonard Boswell, Brenda Brock (Meteorologist in Charge), Karl Jungbluth (Science Operations Officer)