Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012
Floor Speech
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Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, though the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, may not be a household name, Americans rely on this agency every day to provide critical weather information and to support ecologically sustainable and economically vibrant coastal communities. 2011 has been a record year for extreme weather disasters, including floods in the Midwest, extensive drought in Texas, a hurricane in Vermont and a debilitating October snowstorm in New England. The latest insurance analysis finds that the United States has experienced 15 billion-dollar weather disasters thus far in 2011. Despite these substantial costs, the ability to accurately predict and therefore prepare for such events not only prevented additional economic losses, but also saved lives. The funding levels in this bill will support the Joint Polar Satellite System, which provides NOAA with the technology to continue to make timely and accurate weather predictions.
Unfortunately, this bill prevents NOAA from undertaking a budget neutral reorganization to create a Climate Service, which was first proposed by President Bush's administration. Increasingly businesses, communities, and individuals are asking NOAA for climate information so they can make informed long-term decisions that impact the economy, public health, and safety. By continuing to oppose all things 'climate', Republicans have denied NOAA the ability to provide these critical products and services.
This bill also unfortunately reduces funding levels for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service to 2005 levels. NOAA is responsible for the conservation and management of fisheries in the United States and adequate funding is needed to protect our iconic American fishing industry. Our fishing industry is a critical component of our national economy. In 2010, the United States landed 8.2 billion pounds of fish valued at $4.5 billion dollars. We know improved data collection and stock assessments allow NOAA to make better and more timely fishery management decisions. We must continue to push for adequate fisheries science funding, which is critical to supporting our fishermen and coastal communities.
I remain concerned that NOAA's role in climate and fisheries science will be hindered by these funding levels, but will support this bill.
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