WHITE HOUSE NAMES NOAA ADMINISTRATOR VICE ADMIRAL CONRAD LAUTENBACHER AS LEAD U.S. REPRESENTATIVE TO INTERNATIONAL EARTH OBSERVATION WORKING GROUP

This week the White House appointed retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator, to be the U.S. representative to an intergovernmental working group on Earth observation systems that will monitor global climate and environmental systems.

The Earth Observation Summit scheduled for July 31, 2003 will establish the working group to prepare a 10-year implementation plan for an international, comprehensive, integrated and sustained global Earth observation system. Lautenbacher has been a strong advocate and primary U.S. spokesman for an expanded global observation system to gain better understanding of climate and Earth systems.

“We are pleased to name Admiral Lautenbacher to represent U.S. interests in this important endeavor,” said Dr. John Marburger, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “Admiral Lautenbacher is a recognized leader on global observations and has been instrumental in developing international support for a global observation system.”

“I am honored to take on this role as the lead U.S. representative to this intergovernmental working group that will address important social, economic and environmental challenges,” said Lautenbacher. “By working closely with our international colleagues, we can develop a comprehensive Earth observation system that will provide enhanced climate and Earth system data that decision makers need.”

The Earth Observation Summit, to be hosted by the United States at the State Department, will bring together ministerial-level representatives from the G-8 and other countries with an interest and significant role in observing systems as well as representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank and the World Meteorological Organization. The Summit aims to raise visibility for the issue with international decision-makers and ensure a new level of cooperation and investment in earth observing systems.

The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources.

On the Web:

NOAA: http://www.noaa.gov

Earth Observation Summit: http://www.earthobservationsummit.gov