NOAA Nominee Dr. Neil Jacobs on Bolstering Weather Prediction and US Seafood Trade

Opening Statement for NOAA Nomination

• 💡 Dr. Neil Jacobs expresses gratitude for the nomination to Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and acknowledges the recent devastating Texas floods.
• 🎯 He highlights NOAA's critical mission in coastal and ocean research, providing life-saving forecasts, and managing environmental phenomena.

Experience and NOAA's Mission

• 🔑 Jacobs shares his previous experience as Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction, detailing his understanding of NOAA's operations, workforce, policy, budget, and personnel.
• 🚀 He emphasizes the importance of embracing new partnerships, citing the success of the Earth Prediction and Innovation Center and the Noah Open Data Dissemination project.
• 🦠 During the pandemic, he led NOAA in adapting operational protocols and accelerating technology adoption, successfully meeting mission requirements, including during the record-breaking 2020 hurricane season.

Top Priorities if Confirmed

• 📈 A primary goal is to restore the United States as the world leader in global weather forecast modeling capability, citing public safety, national security, and national pride.
• 🎣 Another key priority is to reduce the US seafood trade deficit by promoting domestic production, combating unfair trade practices, and improving stock assessments.
• 🌊 Jacobs, with a personal passion for the ocean, aims to ensure NOAA scientists, engineers, and officers have the necessary resources and leadership to fulfill their mission of science, service, and stewardship.