Proposal Sets NOAA Budget for 2012

In the new 2012 budget proposal, US President Barack Obama asked for a budget of about $5.5 billion for the country's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency will receive less money than it did in 2011, but not by much.

The fiscal year (FY) 2012 budget proposal holds a $56.8 million decrease in funding for NOAA from 2011 levels. However, this year the agency operated under a continuing resolution, a measure that froze funds to last year's level.

According to a press release issued by experts at the federal agency, the proposed funding levels are sufficient to support key investments NOAA wants to make. The funds will be directed towards strengthening the most critical programs and initiatives the organization is currently handling.

At the same time, experts with the agency will try to address the broader goals of the US Administration, such as ensuring long-term economic growth, promoting innovation and American competitiveness, and reducing government spending.

The new budget proposal represents a part of an ongoing governmental plan to reduce non-defense discretionary spending over the next five years. One way of doing this is to freeze the budgets of federal agencies.

Representatives from the organization say that budget cuts were made sensibly and carefully, so as not to affect the most critical programs and services. Program needs have been correctly identified, they add, which means that the $56.8 million decrease will not have disastrous consequences.

“Perhaps most significantly, this budget clearly recognizes the central role that science and technology play in stimulating the economy, creating new jobs and improving the health and security of Americans,” explains NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, PhD.

“Americans rely on NOAA science, services and stewardship to keep their families safe, their communities thriving, and their businesses strong. Our work is everyone’s business,” adds the expert, who is also the US undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere.

Some of the most important strategic priorities that NOAA will support in 2012 include:

1.Improving prediction of high impact weather and water forecasts;
2.Supporting sustainable oceans, fisheries, and communities;
3.Providing critical investments in satellites and sensors to further NOAA observational mission.

“Included in the FY 2012 budget proposal are the details for a reorganization to establish a climate service within NOAA. The reorganization is 'budget neutral'; it does not change staffing levels, create new facilities or physically relocate any programs or laboratories,” the press release concludes.