Press release

Environmental Defense Fund Honored that Board Vice Chair Reportedly Picked as NOAA Administrator

(Washington, D.C. - December 19, 2008) Environmental Defense Fund is honored that President-elect Barack Obama has selected EDF Board Vice Chair Jane Lubchenco to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), according to several sources contacted by The Washington Post.

“Dr. Lubchenco is the perfect person to run NOAA because of her tireless work to protect our oceans, and her depth of understanding of climate change is unmatched,” said Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp.  “She has dedicated her professional life to promoting science and policies that demonstrate the connections between healthy ecosystems and jobs, food, climate stability and a vibrant economy.  President-elect Obama could not have found a more inspirational or prepared leader for NOAA.”

NOAA’s budget is more than $4 billion and has a presence in every state in the country.  Its responsibilities include creating sustainable fisheries, weather and climate forecasting, and protecting and restoring ocean ecosystems.  NOAA will have a central role in addressing pressing challenges of our time: stabilizing the climate, restoring science in decision-making and saving life in the oceans.

Dr. Lubchenco is a preeminent ocean and climate scientist and a former head of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific organizations.

“I have been fortunate enough to work closely with Dr. Lubchenco since 1995, when she became a board member for Environmental Defense Fund,” added Krupp.  “During her time on our board, she has been a strong, guiding voice to ensure that our scientific analysis was rigorous and our policies were effective in creating best-in-class solutions to our most serious environmental problems.

“As never before, our country and our planet need scientists and leaders like Jane Lubchenco,” concluded Krupp.  “We will miss her, but we are honored and thrilled President-elect Obama has chosen for this new position.”

With more than 3 million members, Environmental Defense Fund creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships to turn solutions into action. edf.org