Catch-22: Feds cut climate research to save fuel

(AP) — They haven’t rechristened a ship the Irony, but federal researchers are canceling and cutting back on voyages aimed at studying climate change and ocean ecosystems so they can save money on boat fuel.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has scrapped at least four trips nationwide and is shortening others “because of the increase in petroleum prices,” chief spokesman Anson Franklin said Wednesday.

“We’re trying to determine whether we can move some resources around to keep some missions going,” Franklin said, adding that NOAA was working this week to hammer out a budget, taking into account the rising cost of fuel for the fleet.

In a June 10 e-mail to NOAA field offices and others, portions of which were obtained by The Associated Press, NOAA warned of an “approximate” $1.7 million budget shortfall due to fuel costs, and noted the agency has proposed cutting 231 ocean research days for the year.

“I only dread to look ahead to 2009 if we do not get funding relief for fuel and marine operations,” read the e-mail sent by John Oliver, a NOAA deputy assistant administrator.

AP