Hank Johnson: “This amendment would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to ignore climate change as it studies…”

“This amendment would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to ignore climate change as it studies the impacts of weather on the nature of turbulence. To deny the existence of climate change is to deny reality. There are copious amounts of data to show that climate change has been happening for decades. Recently, we have all experienced consecutive days of 90-plus-degree heat here in Washington, D.C., as well as we have seen sustained increases in temperatures across the country. In fact, June 2023 was the hottest June ever recorded on the planet, according to NASA. The scientific definition of weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate change refers to long-term patterns and shifts in our climate. {time} 1630 The dramatic shifts caused by climate change are not merely weather, and to limit NOAA's ability to study climate change would neglect our responsibility for ensuring safe air travel. Studying these long-term patterns and understanding how they impact turbulence is critical for putting the best safety practices in place, as well as understanding how to mitigate the impacts of turbulence. NOAA must have the authority to gather the data we need to help keep Americans safe in the air, reduce flight delays, and improve our understanding of changing atmospheric conditions. Let us not force NOAA to put its head in the ground while climate change is happening all around us. Mr.…”