February 12, 2009
Lubchenco One Step Closer
BY: Anna G
The confirmation hearing of Dr. Jane Lubchenco, nominee for NOAA administrator, took place this morning in the Senate Commerce Committee. In addition to responding to questions, she outlined her plans for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Oceana was encouraged to hear that she will strive to restore our nation’s fisheries and marine ecosystems, and to protect and recover our oceans, bays and beaches. Lubchenco stressed the role of science in informed decision-making, and she also pledged “to bring transparency, fairness, integrity, and accountability to the job.” If confirmed, she will work to create a new branch of NOAA called the National Climate Service which would accumulate and analyze data on climate change in order to create products and services which will aid in preventing and adapting to climate change. Committee members asked her tough questions, highlighting the varied and difficult tasks that the NOAA administrator will face, including fisheries management, aquaculture, offshore drilling and climate change, to name a few. We urge the Senate to move quickly to confirm Dr. Jane Lubchenco as NOAA administrator so that we may begin working with her to safeguard the health of our oceans.