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Congresswoman Stansbury Pushes to Improve Forecasting During Climate Change, Develop STEM Workforce

October 14, 2021

As New Mexico has declared the largest number of climate disasters in the state’s history, Rep. Stansbury called on federal agencies to develop a strong talent pipeline in New Mexico

WASHINGTON – As the state of New Mexico has declared the largest number of disaster declarations in history, U.S.Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) pushed for the National Weather Service to deepen relationships with New Mexico’s minority-serving institutions to equip communities with the tools they need to plan for the future.

In today’s Science, Space, and Technology hearing, The Future of Forecasting: Building a Weather-Ready Nation on All Fronts, Rep. Stansbury highlighted the importance of coordinating between weather and climate forecasting. She also highlighted the benefits of a scientific workforce that represents New Mexico and the nation through partnerships with Hispanic Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

“This year has punctuated the need for investments in New Mexico, where we have been simultaneously grappling with one of the most severe droughts in our history at the same time that we’ve experienced the highest number of disaster declarations ever due to flooding and to wildfires,” Rep. Stansbury said during the hearing. “I urge all of our federal agencies, including the weather service and NOAA at large, to look at expanding programs in New Mexico, and particularly at our minority serving institutions, to partner to build a pipeline in communities.”

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