Obama Science Budget Increase Includes Climate Research

The House Science and Technology Committee notes that the proposed 2010 federal budget released today contains increased funding for science and technology, including climate research:

The President’s budget requests $18.7 billion for NASA. The last administration’s FY 2009 request was $17.6 billion.

The summary includes $7 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The summary also highlights the important work done at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including $1.3 billion to fund development and acquisition of satellites and climate sensors. Additional funding will be provided for climate and ocean research, including research to understand and monitor ocean acidification. Ocean acidification is an effect of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, which lowers the pH. Ocean acidification reduces the ability of shellfish and corals to form their shells and skeletons and impacts the health and survival of other organisms that are part of the food chain.

ClimateScienceWatch quotes relevant sections of the budget overview pertaining to climate change, including for NOAA:

Improves Weather forecasting, Climate Monitoring, Fisheries Management and Ocean Programs. The Budget helps ensure continuity of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite coverage needed for weather forecasting and climate data records by providing over $1.3 billion to fund the development and acquisition of vital weather satellites and climate sensors. Funding is also provided to advance climate and ocean research, including efforts to understand and monitor ocean acidification. In addition, the Budget fully supports implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and its requirement to eliminate overfishing by 2011. All of these activities build upon the recently enacted recovery Act, which provides $600 million for the construction and maintenance of NOAA research facilities, vessels, and satellites, as well as $230 million for habitat restoration, hydrographic services, research, and management operations.