Top News
Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on December’s Employment Report
Washington (Jan. 9)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the December Employment Report, which showed that the unemployment rate is 7.2 percent: “This is a very challenging time for our economy. Today’s report shows that unfortunately more Americans are out of work. We do not like to see a single citizen lose his or her job, so today’s news is extremely disappointing. Our nation is going through a trying period, but just as we have weathered challenges in the past—from the recession to the attacks of September 11th to corporate scandals to devastating natural disasters—our country will make it through this difficult time as well.” (More)
Gutierrez: Environmental Stewardship is Critical to the Economy and Safety and Well-Being of the American People
Silver Spring, Md. (Jan. 8)—Speaking to Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez noted recent advances in environmental research, conservation and prediction. “Over the past eight years, the Bush Administration, the Commerce Department and NOAA have been aggressively working to increase our scientific knowledge and preserve the precious legacy of healthy oceans and sustainable marine resources,” Gutierrez said. (Remarks) (Fact Sheet) (Video)
Commerce Secretary Invites Applications for Disaster Assistance to States Impacted by 2008 Storms
Washington (Jan. 8)—In response to hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters occurring during 2008, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today announced that the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting applications to support long-term post-disaster economic recovery through an additional $400 million in emergency funding provided through a Second Supplemental under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, signed into law on September 30, 2008. (More)
President Bush Discusses Conservation and the Environment, Designates Three New Marine Protected Areas in Pacific Ocean
Washington (Jan. 6)—President George W. Bush has created three new marine protected areas in the central and western Pacific Ocean protecting nearly 200,000 square miles. In his remarks, Bush said “The benefits of today's decision reach far beyond nature. The monuments will preserve sites of cultural and spiritual significance to native peoples. They will ensure full freedom of navigation, and include measures to uphold training missions and other military operations. And they will open the door to new economic benefits in the Territories.” (Remarks) (Fact Sheet)
NOAA Names First Woman to Direct National Geodetic Survey
Washington (Jan. 5)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced Juliana P. Blackwell has been named the new director of NOAA’s Office of National Geodetic Survey where she will oversee NOAA's responsibilities for the nation's spatial reference system. She is the first woman to head the nation's oldest federal science agency which was established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1807 as the Survey of the Coast. (More)