Obama’s plan to shift NOAA to Interior Department gets mixed reviews

Science : Although the Obama administration has proposed to move the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from the US Department of Commerce to the Department of the Interior, it looks unlikely that the move will be approved by Congress, writes David Malakoff for Science. The proposal, part of President Obama’s plan to reorganize and streamline the federal government, is drawing mixed reactions from former staff, members of Congress, and outside organizations. Some supporters say it would allow several agencies with weather, geographical, and geological responsibilities to work together under one agency. Among those voicing objections, however, are environmental groups that worry this may not be a good time to shake things up. According to Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, “The move could erode the capabilities and mute the voice of the government’s primary agency for protecting our oceans and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them.”