Cantwell was among those who voted against the confirmation of Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce last week in a close 51-45 vote, which oversees NOAA. A coalition of nonprofits and others expressed deep concerns about ongoing threats to the agency, including staff layoffs, budget cuts, research censorship, and actions that undermine its crucial mission and services.
The letter warned that if the administration continues to interfere with NOAA’s services and mission, it could have severe consequences for the economy, public health, safety, and national security, especially in the face of increasing extreme weather events.
Meteorologists and weather researchers outside the agency also joined in opposing the workforce reductions, particularly at the National Hurricane Center, praising the center’s accuracy in forecasting storm tracks during the 2024 hurricane season.
NOAA’s extensive data collection on climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather patterns, has drawn criticism from conservative groups advocating for reducing the federal bureaucracy. Recommendations from the Heritage Foundation’s “Mandate for Leadership” report, including the potential dismantling of NOAA and privatization of its functions, have influenced executive orders and actions from the current administration.
Critics of NOAA have accused the agency of fueling the climate change alarm industry and called for a more neutral presentation of its data without bias. However, experts assert that the evidence of climate change is well-established and supported by over a century of weather measurements and observations from NOAA and the National Weather Service.
The agency’s historical role in documenting climate trends, such as prolonged droughts, extreme rainfall, and warming temperatures, highlights its importance in understanding and addressing environmental changes. NOAA’s longstanding legacy in weather forecasting and geodetic surveying dates back over 150 years, emphasizing its significance in monitoring and adapting to a changing world.
The latest technologies of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) aircraft program were showcased by the Geophysical and Meteorological Laboratory in NOAA’s Lakeland, Florida hangar in June 2023. “The law mandates NOAA to conduct precise scientific measurements, analyze atmospheric and oceanic data, and draw scientifically valid conclusions for public dissemination,” stated McLean. These findings are of critical importance to various sectors, including industries, coastal communities, agriculture, reinsurers, and banks. The futures market heavily relies on NOAA’s climate and seasonal forecasts for decision-making.
Representatives from the Department of Government Ethics (DOGE) visited NOAA’s offices in February, gaining access to email systems, cloud storage, and websites. According to Rosenberg, the agency was instructed to remove all references to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Furthermore, they requested a list of grants, conducting searches using specific keywords to identify any grants deemed contrary to the president’s executive orders.
Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad, who served from 2021 to 2025, defended the agency in a LinkedIn essay. Spinrad expressed concerns about potential devastating consequences if NOAA were defunded, citing a possible $7 billion reduction in the federal budget. He warned that such actions could result in loss of life, economic instability, and significant property damage across the nation.
Hurricane stickers adorn the side of NOAA’s “Miss Piggy” aircraft, symbolizing the numerous storms it has bravely flown into. Dinah Voyles Pulver, a seasoned journalist covering climate change and environmental issues for USA TODAY, has reported on severe weather phenomena for over three decades. For more information, contact her at dpulver@usatoday.com or follow her on Bluesky or X under @dinahvp.
This article, originally featured in USA TODAY, sheds light on the concerning wave of job cuts impacting NOAA, the parent agency of the National Weather Service (NWS).
