Trump’s Project 2025 Plan Endangers Public Safety With Layoffs in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Firings at US weather and oceans agency risk lives and economy, former agency heads warn / AP News

By SETH BORENSTEIN Updated 5:35 PM EST, February 28, 2025

NOAA Layoffs Pose Significant Risks to Public Safety and Economy

The recent mass layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have raised serious concerns about public safety and economic stability. Former agency heads and experts warn that these cuts could lead to unnecessary deaths and substantial economic losses.

NOAA, responsible for monitoring the oceans, atmosphere, and space, provides critical weather forecasts and warnings that save lives and money. The agency’s 301 billion weather forecasts annually reach 96% of American households. The recent firings, which began on Thursday, have significantly impacted NOAA’s ability to deliver these essential services.

Admiral Tim Gallaudet, a former acting NOAA chief, emphasized the potential dangers: “The layoffs will affect the safety of flights, shipping, and everyday Americans. Lives are undoubtedly at risk.” Rick Spinrad, another former NOAA Administrator, echoed these concerns, highlighting the timing of the layoffs during prime tornado season and the agricultural planting season.

NOAA’s daily weather forecasts, issued from 122 local offices, are crucial for disaster preparedness and response. These forecasts guide farmers, pilots, and emergency officials in making informed decisions to protect lives and property. The agency’s role extends to providing up-to-the-minute forecasts for firefighting crews, mapping water channels for shipping safety, and managing fisheries and ocean sanctuaries.

The layoffs have also affected NOAA’s ability to respond to major oil spills, monitor space weather, and prevent satellite collisions. The agency’s quick response to the 2024 Baltimore container ship accident and the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill underscores its importance in handling such crises.

The National Weather Service (NWS), a sub-agency of NOAA, is valued at $102 billion annually for its contributions to the U.S. economy. The recent cuts, affecting between 580 to 1,200 employees, have sparked bipartisan concern among lawmakers. Senator Chris Van Hollen described the layoffs as a “national disaster and a colossal waste of money,” warning that the reduced workforce could lead to deadly situations.

Experts argue that the layoffs are short-sighted and will have far-reaching consequences. Keith Seitter, a former director of the American Meteorological Society (AMS), noted that the dedicated NOAA employees are passionate about their work and that the dismissals will inevitably lead to gaps in coverage and increased risks to public safety.

In summary, the NOAA layoffs pose significant threats to public safety and the economy. The agency’s critical role in weather forecasting, disaster response, and environmental monitoring cannot be overstated. The recent cuts undermine NOAA’s ability to protect lives and property, leaving the nation vulnerable to the impacts of severe weather and other hazards.

  1. One of the architects of Project 2025 ↩

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