Chairwoman Johnson Opening Statement for Hearing on Earth Science and Climate Change Activities at NASA

Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics is holding a hearing titled, “NASA’s Earth Science and Climate Change Activities: Current Roles and Future Opportunities.”

Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s (D-TX) opening statement for the record is below.

Thank you Chairman Beyer for holding today’s hearing on NASA’s climate change activities.

I’m pleased that the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee is taking a close look at NASA’s Earth science and climate change work.

Because from the agency’s first Earth observing satellites over 60 years ago, NASA has been a cornerstone of the nation’s Earth science and climate research activities.   

The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology initiated the Global Change Research Act in 1990, over 30 years ago.

NASA is just one of thirteen agencies involved, but its Earth science and climate research efforts have been a major contributor to the US Global Change Research Program developed in response to the 1990 Act. 

A lot has happened since 1990.

Based on the research and observations of our agencies over these last decades, climate change has gone from study to crisis.

The work of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology is now considering how our Nation’s research and development efforts can address this crisis.

Science must remain at the center, both in our continuing work to understand climate change, but also in our efforts to mitigate it and help communities respond to it. 

NASA also has a role in advancing innovative technologies and approaches to sustainable aviation.

I’m pleased that the Biden Administration is taking aggressive steps to address the climate crisis. 

This challenge requires that we examine every opportunity to leverage capabilities, partnerships, and consider potential options for further contributions. 

Today’s hearing will take an important step toward that end, and I look forward to our witness’ testimony. 

Thank you and I yield back.