Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, has introduced legislation to formally establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as an independent scientific research and development agency.
Lucas said in a statement published Friday the bill would give NOAA, which operates under the Department of Commerce, formal statutory authority and allow the agency to refocus on its core mission areas.
“This will strengthen NOAA’s important role of protecting people and property through its vital weather forecasts, severe weather monitoring, and communication efforts,” Lucas said.
Co-sponsored by 13 other Republican representatives, the bill would remove the Office of Space Commerce from NOAA and position it as a standalone entity within the Commerce Department.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service will remain within the independent NOAA agency to support weather monitoring and forecasting efforts.
