Rep. Sherrill’s Weather Forecasting Legislation Clears Science, Space, & Technology Committee

Legislation would redefine NOAA Chief Scientist qualifications and guidelines

Washington, DC – Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Chair of the House Science, Space, and Technology (SST) Environment Subcommittee, announced that the full SST Committee has advanced her bill, the NOAA Chief Scientist Act. The legislation will now head to the House floor for a vote.

Under current law, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Chief Scientist is appointed by the president and given a broad outline of their duties; however, details on the qualifications of who would be eligible to serve as Chief Scientist or how the Chief Scientist establishes standards within NOAA’s scientific endeavors are lacking. The NOAA Chief Scientist Act would provide greater clarity on the qualifications of the presidentially-appointed Chief Scientist, direct the Chief Scientist to establish and enforce high scientific integrity standards within NOAA, and provide yearly public reports on NOAA’s scientific work.

“We saw during Hurricane Ida how deadly poor weather forecasting can be,” said Rep. Sherrill. “NOAA’s mission is essential to constituents like those in towns in NJ-11 who rely on NOAA weather predictions to understand the path and potential impacts of storms like Hurricane Ida. This legislation will help ensure our communities are safe and well prepared for future weather threats.”

Rep. Sherrill’s bill has been endorsed by the American Meteorological Society and the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The NOAA Chief Scientist Act directs the president to consider the recommendations of reputable scientific or educational organizations when appointing NOAA Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist must have an established record of producing work of scientific merit and be highly respected by the scientific community.

The legislation also clarifies specific guidelines and responsibilities of the job of NOAA’s senior scientific officer. The Chief Scientist will also be expected to prioritize scientific integrity within the workforce and transparency with Congress and the general public. Their responsibilities shall include leading the development of science strategy, implementing oversight over NOAA funding, and providing direction and facilitating integration and coordination of research efforts across NOAA and with other agencies. They will also be directed to ensure NOAA attracts, retains, and promotes world-class scientists and researchers, as well as providing the professional development needed to ensure the administration’s scientific workforce is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

###