Lutnick says he won’t dismantle NOAA as called for in Project 2025

President Trump’s pick to lead the Commerce Department assured senators on Wednesday that he won’t try to dismantle the nation’s climate, oceans and weather science agency during a largely genial confirmation hearing. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) asked Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick if he would want to break up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which falls under the department. “I have no interest in separating it. That is not on my agenda,” Lutnick said. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) similarly asked Lutnick if he agreed with proposals in the controversial conservative...