The Trump administration plans to dismantle the climate research arm of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and dramatically cut agency funding, according to a draft budget document obtained by Reuters. The proposal seeks to slash NOAA’s budget by $1.67 billion—about 27%—and eliminate its Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).
OAR oversees regional climate data, research labs, and cooperative institutes. Under the plan, $480 million in climate-related funding would be eliminated, though $170 million would be preserved for storm and ocean-related programs.
The administration has already dismissed hundreds of NOAA staff as part of its broader government downsizing efforts. NOAA’s role includes weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and fisheries management.
The proposal would also restructure the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), transferring responsibilities for endangered species and marine mammals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Funding for key fishery and habitat restoration grants would be cut in favor of streamlining energy development permitting.
Sources
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
