Privatize National Weather Service? Bad Idea
I am opposed to the bill sponsored by Senator Rick Santorum (S.786) which, while it doesn't actually eliminate the NWS, gives private companies the opportunity to replace it.
As an owner operator of a private sailing vessel. I have long depended on NWS as my basic weather information. It has been invaluable. For example, when sailing from Neah Bay to Newport Oregon, We planned to enter a small harbor on Washington's coast. The NWS weather radio information alerted me to dangerous bar conditions on that entrance and I decided not to try to enter. Another vessel actually did try and was wrecked. The NWS information probably saved my vessel and possibly the lives of my self and my crew.
My concern is that a private company, having difficulty staying profitable, may reduce service or cut costs in ways which result in less information, and that, once discontinued, it may be a budget issue to then resume NWS in that region.
I understand that Santorum would like to help private companies in his region which cannot reasonably compete with government services, but some services belong with the government.
Extract from Scuttlebutt:
Scuttlebutt
* From Emily Decker: Mr. Colloton (Scuttlebutt #1856) and others have brought a potentially dangerous situation to light in the possibility that the National Weather Service could be eliminated. I did some quick digging and here are some facts: The bill sponsored by Senator Rick Santorum (S.786) doesn't actually eliminate the NWS, but gives any company who thinks they can provide the same service the opportunity to replace it in that region. I fully believe that this would compromise the current access we all enjoy from NWS. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce where it will be reviewed and voted before heading to the Senate; then it goes to the House of Representatives for the same review process. The likelihood that all this will happen between now and the end of the Congressional year is very unlikely. However, Senator Santorum could achieve the same means by simply "not funding" it in the '06-'07 fiscal year, thereby effectively achieving the same result. These "budget/ appropriations" bills are must be passed at the end of the year.I join Mr. Colloton and others in encouraging Scuttlebutt readers to contact their Senator to voice opposition to this bill. Your letters would be even more effective by including an anecdote about how the National Weather Service provided you with information that helped you in a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation. Letters can simply be addressed to Your Senator, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. You can also cc your Congressman too. For the full language: Click Here
As an owner operator of a private sailing vessel. I have long depended on NWS as my basic weather information. It has been invaluable. For example, when sailing from Neah Bay to Newport Oregon, We planned to enter a small harbor on Washington's coast. The NWS weather radio information alerted me to dangerous bar conditions on that entrance and I decided not to try to enter. Another vessel actually did try and was wrecked. The NWS information probably saved my vessel and possibly the lives of my self and my crew.
My concern is that a private company, having difficulty staying profitable, may reduce service or cut costs in ways which result in less information, and that, once discontinued, it may be a budget issue to then resume NWS in that region.
I understand that Santorum would like to help private companies in his region which cannot reasonably compete with government services, but some services belong with the government.
Extract from Scuttlebutt:
Scuttlebutt
* From Emily Decker: Mr. Colloton (Scuttlebutt #1856) and others have brought a potentially dangerous situation to light in the possibility that the National Weather Service could be eliminated. I did some quick digging and here are some facts: The bill sponsored by Senator Rick Santorum (S.786) doesn't actually eliminate the NWS, but gives any company who thinks they can provide the same service the opportunity to replace it in that region. I fully believe that this would compromise the current access we all enjoy from NWS. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce where it will be reviewed and voted before heading to the Senate; then it goes to the House of Representatives for the same review process. The likelihood that all this will happen between now and the end of the Congressional year is very unlikely. However, Senator Santorum could achieve the same means by simply "not funding" it in the '06-'07 fiscal year, thereby effectively achieving the same result. These "budget/ appropriations" bills are must be passed at the end of the year.I join Mr. Colloton and others in encouraging Scuttlebutt readers to contact their Senator to voice opposition to this bill. Your letters would be even more effective by including an anecdote about how the National Weather Service provided you with information that helped you in a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation. Letters can simply be addressed to Your Senator, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510. You can also cc your Congressman too. For the full language: Click Here
posted by wingssail at 6:58 PM
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