Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

4-27-1972

Abstract

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was established within the Department of Commerce on October 3, 1970. This agency was created by Federal Reorganization Plan Number 4 of 1970. The decision to frame this reorganization plan resulted from many factors, in the previous decade, which constituted pressures to get the United States Government better involved in marine affairs. Government involvement in marine science was growing, and federal expenditures were increasing, but the effort was fragmented. Over twenty agencies had marine science programs. It was difficult for the public to get a clear, overall picture of what government was doing, and what government was spending. Even though only a somewhat confusing picture of government oceanography was available, most interest groups thought government should be doing more. Federal organization for oceanography had been slowly growing and evolving, over the ten year period prior to the creation of NOAA. Recommendations for new centralizing organization for oceanography had been made by high-level government bodies. Legislative proposals in the 1960's were numerous. Press articles were frequent. Conventions and symposiums were becoming increasingly common. Universities and states were showing more and more interest. Industry believed marine science to be rea y for the payoff. National factors pressed for reorganization. International factors concerning oceanography encouraged reorganization. Competition, cooperation, and rivalry pulled marine science into foreign policy. International organization was a fact. Cooperative programs were underway. National security and the state of Soviet oceanography were considerations. Revised federal organization for oceanography was often believed necessary to aid this platform for international relations. Reorganization Plan Number 4 satisfied only part of the widespread interest in bettering government involvement in marine science. Generally, industry was pleased; conservationists were dissatisfied; and congressional reaction was mixed. The Plan to place NOAA within the Department of Commerce had further implications. The Commerce Department is usually regarded as concerned with development, rather than conservation. Nevertheless, the Commerce Department provided a base for a single agency which would pursue scattered programs. But the effort at making the single agency effective was not easy, and internal reorganization issues arose. The NOAA story is more than a case study. It provides insight into the political process. Illustrated is the interest in science and technology to solve human problems and to improve the quality of life. Illuminated is the continuing process of public demand and political response. The oceans will continue to be a central issue in political and administrative processes.

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

Albert H. Rosenthal

Second Committee Member

David R. Jones

Third Committee Member

Nicholas Llewellyn Henry

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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