Washington, D.C., July 26, 2025
News Summary
Two senior NOAA officials, Steve Volz and Jeff Dillen, have been placed on administrative leave due to an ongoing internal investigation regarding the agency’s scientific integrity policies. Speculation links their suspension to the ‘Sharpiegate’ controversy, where an incorrect hurricane forecast was allegedly altered. While previous investigations found violations relating to this incident, federal officials have not confirmed a direct connection to the current personnel changes. The implications of this investigation could affect NOAA’s leadership and trust in its operational procedures.
Washington, D.C. – Two senior officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Steve Volz and Jeff Dillen, have been placed on administrative leave amid speculations connecting their suspension to an internal investigation regarding NOAA’s scientific integrity policies. The leave came into effect on Friday, igniting discussions on the implications of their administrative action.
Volz serves as the head of NOAA’s satellite division and also oversees the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, as well as the NOAA data center located in Asheville. Dillen holds the role of deputy general counsel for the agency. Speculation suggests that their leave is potentially linked to the notorious “Sharpiegate” controversy that arose in 2019, where then-President Donald Trump was accused of altering an official hurricane forecast with a Sharpie. This alteration incorrectly indicated that Hurricane Dorian would impact Alabama, leading to widespread criticism and scrutiny.
Despite the speculation surrounding their leave, federal officials remain tight-lipped and have not confirmed any direct correlation between the officers’ suspension and the ongoing investigation into the “Sharpiegate” incident. Reports indicate that this scandal appears to be the only significant event tying the two individuals together; however, it’s crucial to stress that the personnel changes might be coincidental.
The NOAA’s previous investigation into the “Sharpiegate” incident found that Neil Jacobs, the acting NOAA administrator at the time, along with another official, had indeed violated the agency’s policies by supporting the inaccurate hurricane forecast. The controversy led to questions about the agency’s scientific integrity and the potential politicization of critical weather forecasting.
Hurricane Dorian eventually made landfall in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, causing no damage in Alabama, highlighting the inaccuracy of the altered forecast. As investigations continue, Neil Jacobs has been nominated for a permanent position as the NOAA administrator. His confirmation vote is scheduled before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on July 30.
Background on NOAA and Scientific Integrity
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is critical in providing weather forecasts and climate data to the American public. The agency emphasizes the importance of maintaining scientific integrity as it conducts significant research and data analysis. Any potential infractions, specifically relating to political influence, can severely undermine public trust and the agency’s overall mission.
The implications of the current investigation and the personnel changes could reshape leadership within NOAA and influence its operational procedures and reputation moving forward.
FAQ Section
What is the reason for the administrative leave of NOAA officials?
The administrative leave for NOAA officials Steve Volz and Jeff Dillen is speculated to be connected to an internal investigation regarding possible violations of NOAA’s scientific integrity policies stemming from the 2019 “Sharpiegate” incident.
What was the “Sharpiegate” controversy?
The “Sharpiegate” controversy erupted in 2019 when then-President Donald Trump altered an official hurricane forecast to suggest that Hurricane Dorian would hit Alabama, which was inaccurate as the hurricane eventually made landfall in North Carolina.
Who has been impacted by the “Sharpiegate” investigation?
Earlier investigations led to findings that Neil Jacobs, the acting NOAA administrator at the time, and another official violated agency policy by backing the incorrect forecast.
What are the potential consequences of the investigations for NOAA?
The investigations could lead to significant changes in leadership and potentially affect the agency’s policies and operations concerning scientific integrity and public trust.
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Additional Resources
- 828 News Now: NOAA Shakeup Involves Asheville Office Leadership
- Wikipedia: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- 828 News Now: Heat Index Set to Climb as Heat Wave Hits Asheville Area
- Google Search: Scientific Integrity NOAA
- New York Times: Sharpiegate and the Controversy
- Google Search: NOAA Leadership Changes
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