1. Where Does the Weather and Climate Enterprise Go From Here? August 2008 Presented by Joel M. Widder Lewis-Burke Associates LLC Washington, D.C.

2. Federal Budget – The Big Picture Federal Budget is $3.1 trillion Only 2% goes for non-defense R&D 60% is for entitlement programs 22% is for defense 8% is for paying interest on the debt The deficit is thru the roof Think of the federal government as an insurance company with an army in deep debt

3. What are the Current Relevant Federal Priorities? Competitiveness Homeland Security/National Defense Energy and Climate Change Advanced Networking and IT Nanotechnology Complex Biological Systems Environment: Oceans, Water, Observing Systems

4. What About the Next Administration and Their Priorities? Budget environment will tight – but some issues will resonate including: Economic Competitiveness Climate Change Earth Sciences Observing Systems Environmental Sciences All of these issues will get increased positive visibility. A new administration provides the time to move them up on the “to do” list.

5. Recommendations for the Weather and Climate Enterprise New Administration – a “once in a decade” opportunity for the weather and climate enterprise – don’t let it pass by. “Infiltrate” the Administration’s policy making apparatus Actively support and participate in the UCAR – AMS – et al transition white paper; Energize the Weather Coalition; Actively participate in alliances with other like minded or related organizations to influence Federal priorities and programs Use the transition process to increase visibility with new and career federal agency policy makers – OMB, OSTP, new DOC leadership, etc.