Jim Inhofe: “Today I introduce the NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 with my colleague from Mississippi, Senator Cochran. This bill…”

“Today I introduce the NOAA Scholarship Act of 2007 with my colleague from Mississippi, Senator Cochran. This bill provides a scholarship program for promising students who seek to pursue an education in a relevant field of study and commit to work for a branch of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, including the National Weather Service, upon graduation. Few can contend with the fact that there is a shortage of American students devoting themselves to the study of science, math and engineering. However, the demand for trained individuals in these professions is rising. In order to achieve their missions, Federal organizations like NOAA require a cadre of young talent to enter the workforce with training in fields like meteorology, hydrology, and oceanography. In my great State of Oklahoma, we know the importance of NOAA, and particularly the study of meteorology. Two weeks ago, I met with a group of Fire Marshalls who informed me that there are more declared natural disasters per capita in Oklahoma than in any other State in the Union. In May of each year, we experience an average of twenty tornadoes. In fact, the fastest wind speed ever recorded was in one of the May tornadoes to hit Oklahoma in 1999. As Oklahomans, we know that having accurate and timely reporting of atmospheric changes can mean the difference between life and death.”