Advisers to the Nation on Science, Engineering, and Medicine
National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Engineering
Institute of Medicine
National Research Council
March 13, 2000
The Honorable D. James Baker
The Undersecretary for Oceans and Atmosphere
United States Department of Commerce
Washington, DC20230
Dear Dr. Baker:
Thank you for your letter of March 3, 2000, requesting the assistance of the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (BASC) in the review of the plans for the U.S. Weather Research Program (USWRP). One only has to look at the array of weather and flooding events that headline the news all too frequently to understand the importance of the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) to this nation. Research to improve the ability to forecast weather events can enhance your ability to protect the nation.
I have checked with Joe Friday and he has already included a review of the USWRP activities in the agenda for BASC's April meeting. At your request, he will now configure the meeting to produce the brief letter report that will provide you with the Board's assessment of those activities.
Thank you for your expression of confidence in the BASC and the Academy process. I look forward to our meeting later this month to discuss our many areas of mutual interest.
Bruce Alberts
President
National Academy of Sciences
2101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20418