Washington, D.C. — Today, President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Barry Myers, current chief executive officer of AccuWeather Inc., to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With a mission of “Science, Service, and Stewardship,” NOAA is committed to enhancing the public’s understanding and knowledge of climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. Michael Conathan, director of Ocean Policy at the Center for American Progress, released the following statement in response to the nomination:
President Trump has responded to NOAA’s remarkable work forecasting what has been a record-breaking hurricane season by nominating an administrator who has a history of trying to block the agency from issuing weather forecasts to the American public. Unlike 11 of the 12 previous NOAA administrators, Myers lacks an advanced scientific degree, further indicating this administration’s disregard for the role of science in policymaking. His background makes him ill-suited for a job that is so fundamental to coastal communities, the ocean economy, and all Americans.
Related Resources: “Trump’s War on Oceans” by Michael Conathan.
For more information, or to speak to an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected] or 202-478-6327.