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NOAA CHIEF SCIENTIST ACT
______
speech of
HON. MIKIE SHERRILL
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Ms. SHERRILL. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 3952, the NOAA Chief Scientist Act.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the premier federal agency in oceanic and atmospheric research. From climate modeling to aquatic habitat preservation, NOAA conducts scientific research that improves the lives of all Americans, especially in my home state of New Jersey.
The agency's Chief Scientist performs an integral and extensive role in facilitating the coordination of research efforts across each of NOAA's six unique line offices and with other federal agencies. Previous Chief Scientists come from decorated and distinguished backgrounds, including scientists from preeminent roles in oceanography and atmospheric science. Dr. Sarah Kapnick, an executive with 18 years of experience at the intersection of climate science and economics, has been most recently named to this role.
The Chief Scientist also plays a critical role in ensuring that NOAA can accurately predict future weather events, an essential service to help Americans prepare for severe weather. In New Jersey, the forecast residents received in advance of Hurricane Ida did not adequately prepare them for the storm, which killed 25 people across the state and cost the United States $65 billion. As weather events become more frequent and severe due to climate change, accurate weather forecasting from the agency will save lives and money.
This bipartisan bill clarifies the role that the Chief Scientist has in advising NOAA on scientific technology policies and strategies. The Chief Scientist's role requires an established and experienced background in producing sound scientific work as well as respect from the scientific community to facilitate connections towards cutting edge research that does not merely reflect partisan interests. It is important that NOAA's Chief Scientist is insulated from political interference and maintain scientific integrity. That is why this bill requires the Chief Scientist to both adhere to, and uphold, scientific integrity policies.
This bill directs the NOAA Administrator to give due consideration to recommendations that are submitted by reputable and diverse scientific and academic organizations within the U.S. This includes scientific organizations such as the National Academies and NOAA's Science Advisory Board, which have extensive experience with scientists of this caliber. It also requires the Chief Scientist to be knowledgeable in the scientific disciplines associated with the work at NOAA--a reasonable requirement given the complexities of NOAA's work.
This bill further establishes an Office of the Chief Scientist, to be staffed by Federal employees of NOAA which will be detailed into the office on a rotating basis. Detailing employees from all line offices ensures that each will remain represented in overseeing the research at NOAA. The new role of Deputy Chief Scientist, designated by the NOAA Administrator, will further support the functions of the Chief Scientist, and will perform the role of Acting Chief Scientist in the event of a vacancy in the position. These steps will provide crucial support to the Chief Scientist to further the mission of NOAA.
Finally, this bill requires that the Chief Scientist produce a yearly, public report which describes the accomplishments and implementation of NOAA's scientific and technological strategies. This report will also detail any challenges faced by the agency and provide a transparent summary of all research funded by NOAA. This will include a breakdown of the percentage of research funded and carried out by the private sector, cooperative institutes, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and other institutions. This yearly report will further ensure that the research mission of NOAA is transparent and forward-
thinking.
I want to thank my colleague from the Science Committee, Representative Feenstra of Iowa, for working with me to introduce this bill. This bill has also been endorsed by the American Meteorological Society and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Scientific research is at its best when it is approached collaboratively and includes a variety of perspectives and skillsets. This bill outlines the responsibilities and requirements for a NOAA Chief Scientist to ensure that a qualified individual can help the agency advance its cross-cutting mission of science and service. This will support NOAA's efforts to provide world-class research to serve communities through future research endeavors.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(2)
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