Earth Observation satellites in danger

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We have 42 satellites in orbit that monitor the planet. Satellite images and colorful data sets help researchers track killer hurricanes, plan conservation efforts, manage water resources, and predict glacial melting. By 2010, the number of working satellite sensors will drop by 40 percent. "The next generation of sensors won't be able to adequately address the ever more intricate questions that scientists will pose about the land, sky and oceans over the next decade. Blame in part the shifting priorities of NASA, one of the main agencies that manage our satellites. NASA's earth-science budget decreased 30 percent between 2000 and 2006." I know we get all caught up in the war, or gas prices, or what-have-you...this sounds like it's a problem. I wonder who says what portion of the space agency's budget goes where? Check out the whole story. http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/07/25/earth.satellites/index.html