The State of Hurricane Research and H.R. 2407, The National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007

Opening Statement By Chairman Brian Baird

Good morning. I look forward to hearing from our panel of witnesses about the steps needed to improve our ability to prepare for and respond to hurricanes. Hurricanes of recent years have brought to our attention the significant and far-reaching effects of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, on local communities and the nation. The devastating loss of life, dislocation of families, and damage to the economy resulting from Hurricane Katrina and others sent a loud and clear message. It is imperative that we improve our understanding of hurricanes and enhance our ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to them.

Following a year long assessment of the state of hurricane research in our country, the National Science Board came forward with a set of recommendations to better align hurricane science and engineering research with our national needs. The Board’s keystone recommendation was that the U.S. engage in a nationally coordinated, multi-agency and multi-disciplinary hurricane research initiative. Today we will explore the Board’s recommendations as well as the proposed legislation, H.R. 2407.

H.R. 2407, the National Hurricane Research Initiative (NHRI), takes the general recommendations of the NSB report and seeks to assemble a multi-agency effort focused on developing a better understanding of hurricane prediction; intensity; and mitigation on coastal populations, infrastructure, and the natural environment.

I hope to hear from our witnesses whether this bill is a workable way to address the gaps in our hurricane research efforts. I look forward to the assessment of current federal hurricane research activities and their thoughts on the proposed legislation. I also welcome their suggestions for ways we might improve the bill.

Finally, I am particularly interested in hearing how the social and behavioral sciences can contribute to our understanding of the ways individuals and entire communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. I would like to hear what role social science research could play in addressing the need to transfer research outcomes into operational practice.

I thank my colleagues Mr. Hastings and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen for joining us today, and for their effort in addressing this timely issue. Thanks to all of our witnesses for being here, and I look forward to your testimony. I now recognize the Ranking Member for any comments he may wish to make.
 

Opening Statement By Chairman Nick Lampson

Good morning and welcome to today’s joint subcommittee hearing on the State of the Nation’s Hurricane Research and H.R. 2407, The National Hurricane Research Initiative Act.

We all know the devastation that a hurricane can cause, and the billions of taxpayer’s dollars needed to recover after one of these natural disasters.  The effects of Hurricane Katrina are still very visible in many of our districts, including mine.

It goes without saying that there is a need for research to better understand hurricanes so that we can continue to improve our forecasting and warning capabilities to save lives and to make our communities more resistant to hurricanes to reduce property damage.

As we will hear from our witnesses today, both NOAA’s in-house research and university research programs are making important advances in our knowledge of hurricanes, and that there is a need for a national effort to address the challenges posed by hurricane forecasting.

H.R. 2407 was introduced by our colleague from Florida, Mr. Hastings, who is here with us today, along with one of the original co-sponsors, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen.  We thank you both for your leadership on this important issue.

We also have a distinguished panel of experts here with us today.  I look forward your testimony and your recommendations of what the Federal government can do to improve hurricane preparedness and to improve forecasting of hurricane direction and intensity.

At this time, I would like to yield to my distinguished colleague from South Carolina, our Ranking Member of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee, Mr. Inglis, for an opening statement.  Afterwards, we will have the opening statements of Chairman Baird and Ranking Member Ehlers of the Research and Science Education Subcommittee.

Witnesses

Panel 2

1 - Dr. John L. "Jack" Hayes
Assistant Administrator for Weather Services and Director, National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Director, National Weather S
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2 - Dr. Kelvin K. Droegemeier
Former Co-Chair, Task Force on Hurricane Science and Engineering National Science Board National Science Board
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3 - Dr. Shuyi Chen
Professor, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences University of Miami University of Miami
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4 - Dr. David O. Prevatt
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering University of Florida University of Florida
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5 - Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman
Director, International Hurricane Research Center Florida International University Florida International University
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