Commerce Nominee Explicitly Pledges To Protect NOAA Mission, Science, Data

Ed. - Well, here it is, waiting to be weaponized when the shit hits the fan - and it will.

EDIT

In response to a letter from Nelson, who is the ranking member on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which oversees NOAA, Ross wrote:

"I would say that we are in complete agreement that the Department of Commerce should continue to research, monitor and report weather and climate information because that information is essential to everyday commerce and the safety of our citizens and communities."

Nelson's letter specifically mentioned the threat Florida faces from climate change-induced sea level rise, which is already causing flooding in Miami Beach throughout the year, for example. Importantly, Ross said he would not address human-caused climate change in his letter, saying, "Let me preface the following by suggesting that we put aside for now the question of what is causing these changes, and agree to focus on addressing the impacts of those changes."

EDIT

Ross offered Senator Nelson assurances that he would not hinder NOAA's science research or its communication of such research. "I look forward to learning about NOAA's ongoing efforts to assist coastal communities in coping with changes in sea level rise and storm intensity. As you know from my hearing responses, I believe science should be left to scientists," he said.

Ross continued:

"If confirmed, I intend to see that the Department provides the public with as much factual and accurate data as we have available. It is public tax dollars that support the Department's scientific research, and barring some national security concern, I see no valid reason to keep peer reviewed research from the public."

"To be clear, by peer review I mean scientific review and not a political filter. In closing, if confirmed, I want to ensure the Department continues to attract Nobel-prize winning scientists and remains a global leader in all of the research it conducts. The Department's responsibilities are many and the public deserves to see them executed at a world class level."

EDIT

http://mashable.com/2017/01/24/noaa-climate-science-trump-wilbur-ross/#ed0EAjzVrqqC