A Key Trump Era Figure Returns
Neil Jacobs, a former official with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been nominated by President Trump to take the helm of the agency. Jacobs came into the public eye during the infamous “Sharpiegate” event’, which took place during Trump’s tenure.
Neil Jacobs: A Distinguished Scientific Career
Jacobs, an experienced scientist, has had a notable career in the realms of weather and meteorology. He was previously affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization before joining the NOAA. In 2018, he was ratified as assistant secretary of commerce for environmental observation and prediction.
Later, Jacobs served as the acting NOAA administrator for a year starting from 2020. He was put forward for the full-time administrator role in the same year. However, he didn’t receive a full Senate vote.
The Duties of The NOAA
As a crucial entity of the U.S. government, NOAA has a broad and varied set of responsibilities. Its mandate covers oceanic, weather, and climatic science. The National Weather Service, which provides essential weather predictions for the nation, operates under NOAA’s oversight. Moreover, the agency is involved in managing fishing and safeguarding marine life.
The ‘Sharpiegate Scandal’: A Brief Overview
In September 2019, President Trump reportedly altered a map that projected the forecasted path of Hurricane Dorian to suggest Alabama as part of the hurricane’s trajectory. Jacobs was involved in creating a NOAA statement that endorsed Trump’s projection. However, Alabama was not hit by Hurricane Dorian.
An internal NOAA review in 2020 discovered that Jacobs, along with then-NOAA Communications Director Julie Kay Roberts, had misrepresented the agency’s scientific integrity policy. The violation occurred through their endorsement of Trump’s altered hurricane path.
The Confirmation Process for Nominees
Jacobs’ nomination was first publicized by Axios and has since been officially submitted to the Senate. The senate will hold deliberations and voting sessions to decide on the validation of the nominee.
The Broader Impact of Administrative Choices
The nomination of Jacobs is seen as a critical step in shaping policy decisions that factor into essential areas like environment, energy, and the government’s scientific apparatus. His past involvement in “Sharpiegate” has attracted attention. However, his official approval as the head of NOAA will depend on the Senate vote.
Additional News of Note
In other related updates, the Senate confirmed Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, to lead the Energy Department. Wright has significant experience in the fracking industry, which will likely influence his role in the department.
President Trump has also proposed a deal to exchange military aid for Ukraine in return for the country’s rare earth elements.
Lastly, a recent proposition by President Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian oil might potentially augment fuel prices at American gas stations. The implementation is slated to happen after a 30-day waiting period.