Every Second Counts:

Refunding National Disaster Monitoring Services

With federal programs cutting back on vital satellite weather and climate data, our states are losing critical tools needed to forecast deadly disasters like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. Since 1980, the U.S. has suffered 403 billion-dollar disasters, causing over $2.9 trillion in damages and tragically taking more than 16,350 lives. Every second matters when it comes to early warnings. We call on all U.S. states and territories to unite in a multi-state agreement to secure real-time satellite data — protecting lives and communities nationwide.

Natural disasters are intensifying across America, with unprecedented frequency and severity. From raging wildfires in the West to devastating hurricanes in the South and deadly floods in the Midwest and Northeast, every region faces escalating threats. NOAA reports that since 1980, the United States has experienced 403 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters, resulting in over $2.9 trillion in damages and the loss of more than 16,350 lives.

These staggering losses underscore the vital importance of timely, accurate satellite weather data that informs life-saving early warnings and disaster response. However, critical federal programs providing these data streams face deep funding cuts and program reductions, risking slower warnings and greater harm.

Refunding national disaster monitoring services is essential to save lives, protect property, and safeguard our climate future.

Annual Average Natural Disaster Costs and Fatalities by State (1980–Present)

State
Avg. Annual Cost (USD)
Avg. Annual Fatalities

Alabama
150,000,000
8

Alaska
20,000,000
1

Arizona
50,000,000
3

Arkansas
60,000,000
4

California
6,500,000,000
50

Colorado
400,000,000
10

Connecticut
80,000,000
2

Delaware
30,000,000
1

Florida
7,800,000,000
40

Georgia
200,000,000
6

Hawaii
150,000,000
3

Idaho
40,000,000
2

Illinois
500,000,000
8

Indiana
300,000,000
5

Iowa
350,000,000
7

Kansas
300,000,000
6

Kentucky
200,000,000
4

Louisiana
4,000,000,000
25

Maine
20,000,000
1

Maryland
150,000,000
3

Massachusetts
400,000,000
4

Michigan
100,000,000
3

Minnesota
150,000,000
3

Mississippi
1,000,000,000
15

Missouri
500,000,000
8

Montana
50,000,000
2

Nebraska
200,000,000
5

Nevada
20,000,000
1

New Hampshire
30,000,000
1

New Jersey
600,000,000
6

New Mexico
100,000,000
3

New York
2,000,000,000
10

North Carolina
3,000,000,000
20

North Dakota
20,000,000
1

Ohio
400,000,000
6

Oklahoma
700,000,000
15

Oregon
300,000,000
5

Pennsylvania
400,000,000
6

Rhode Island
20,000,000
1

South Carolina
800,000,000
10

South Dakota
20,000,000
1

Tennessee
600,000,000
10

Texas
10,000,000,000
40

Utah
100,000,000
3

Vermont
20,000,000
1

Virginia
800,000,000
10

Washington
700,000,000
6

West Virginia
100,000,000
3

Wisconsin
300,000,000
4

Wyoming
20,000,000
1

We, the people, demand that all U.S. states and territories come together to form a voluntary, cooperative multi-state compact—formalized as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—to pool resources, secure access to real-time satellite weather and climate data, and strengthen forecasting and emergency preparedness.

By acting together, our states can overcome federal shortfalls, improve warning systems, save lives, and protect homes and businesses across the nation.

Sign this petition and urge your governor and state legislature to join this critical alliance. Every second counts when disaster strikes. Let’s unite to save lives by refunding our disaster monitoring agencies now.