The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is an agency within the United States Department of which?

• A. Interior
• B. Commerce
• C. Agriculture
• D. Health and Human Services

Answer: (B)

NOAA is within the Department of Commerce. Its weather forecasting, climate research, and ocean and coastal data directly support economic activities like shipping, fishing, tourism, and energy, which aligns with Commerce’s role in promoting economic growth through information and services. The other departments oversee different areas—Interior handles federal lands and natural resources, Agriculture focuses on farming and rural issues, and Health and Human Services leads public health. So, the department that houses NOAA is Commerce.