The proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by the Trump administration have raised concerns about the future of critical research and operational programs within the agency. A draft budget proposal obtained by House Science, Space and Technology Committee Democratic staff outlines significant reductions to NOAA’s budget, with a focus on streamlining operations, eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, and cutting funding for nonessential programs.
According to the Office of Management and Budget document, NOAA’s budget could be reduced by $1.6 billion to $4.4 billion, resulting in a “leaner NOAA” that prioritizes core operational needs. The proposal includes the dissolution of NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research division, which would see a drastic 73% decrease in funding. This would result in the elimination of key programs such as the Regional Climate Data and Information Program, the Sea Grant program, and climate competitive research initiatives.
The proposed budget plan also targets climate and weather laboratories, including the National Severe Storms Laboratory, which plays a crucial role in tracking extreme weather events. These cuts could have far-reaching consequences, impacting the ability of farmers and other stakeholders to access timely and accurate weather forecasts and climate data for decision-making.
Former NOAA officials and experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact of these budget cuts on the agency’s ability to advance weather science and provide critical services to the public. Craig McLean, a former NOAA assistant administrator for research, warned that the proposed cuts could set the nation back decades in terms of weather forecasting capabilities and data availability. He emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for programs that support agricultural decision-making and disaster preparedness.
The budget proposal also includes structural changes within NOAA, such as transferring certain functions of the National Marine Fisheries Service to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These changes could have implications for the implementation of key environmental laws, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
While the budget proposal is a preliminary document that still needs to be approved by Congress, critics have raised concerns about the potential impact of these cuts on NOAA’s ability to fulfill its mission of protecting life and property. House Science Committee’s top Democrat, Zoe Lofgren, has called the budget plan “outrageous and dangerous,” emphasizing the interconnected nature of NOAA’s programs and the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to weather forecasting and data collection.
Ultimately, the fate of NOAA’s budget and programs will be decided by Congress, which will need to appropriate the funding requested and authorize any major structural changes proposed in the document. As discussions around the budget continue, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation and advocating for the preservation of critical programs that support weather science, climate research, and environmental protection efforts.
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