Fiscal Year 2011 Research and Development Budget Proposals at EPA and NOAA
Opening Statement By Chairman Bart Gordon
Good Afternoon. I want to welcome everyone to today’s hearing on the Administration’s FY 2011 Budget Request for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). When air and water pollution become a threat to our public and economic health, we need strong science and research programs at NOAA and EPA to help us understand the problem and respond.
EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. These investments have been critical to protecting the environment as well as our own health since the 1970s. Four years ago, the agency’s research budget sustained a five percent cut. The fiscal year 2011 request proposes to reduce EPA’s overall budget. However, we are pleased to see a slight increase in funding for research and development.
We also applaud the Administration for the substantial increase in funding for the STAR Grant and Fellowship Program. As this Committee prepares to reauthorize the America COMPETES Act, it is equally important for our federal agencies to recognize the value in investing in our future scientists and engineers.
However, the budget request appears to lack funding in certain areas that are key to protecting our environment, both now and in the future. For example, research on global change and ecological services is important to improving the quality of life for every American. I don’t see this reflected in EPA’s research budget. And I look forward to discussing this with you further this afternoon.
Now, another agency that is essential to improving our understanding of the environment is NOAA. NOAA provides Americans with daily weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, coastal conditions, and climate information. The wintery weather that we’ve been experiencing in D.C. and the tsunami warnings that were issued across the Pacific provide clear examples of what NOAA may be most famous for—its weather and storm forecasts.
NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and tools to provide the public, city planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information. NOAA’s missions are large and diverse. Sound investments are needed in the agency’s workforce, equipment, and research and education programs.
For the first time in a long time, the budget request for NOAA has been increased. This is a step in the right direction. That said, most of this increase is allotted for the satellite system, NPOESS, which is now known as JPSS, the Joint Polar Satellite System.
This Committee certainly understands the importance of this mission-critical satellite program. We depend on satellites for forecasting, observation, and understanding climate and weather phenomena. However, this budget proposal still lacks the level of funding needed for NOAA to actually fulfill all of its diverse missions. Likewise, EPA has a great deal of work to do. It is time to move these agencies, their missions, and our country forward by giving them the resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities.
In today’s hearing we will hear from both agencies on separate panels. I look forward to discussing the Administration’s budget proposal with each of you. At this time, I would like to recognize our distinguished Ranking Member, Mr. Hall of Texas for his opening statement.
Witnesses
Panel 1
1 - Dr. Paul Anastas
Assistant Administrator Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development U.S. Environmental Protection
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Panel 2
1 - Dr. Jane Lubchenco
Administrator National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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