For decades, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has led critical research on our planet’s oceans and atmosphere. NOAA is the parent agency of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the National Ocean Service, and the National Weather Service—all for roughly $3 per taxpayer per year.

Now, devastating budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration threaten to slash NOAA’s funding by 33% and reduce its workforce by around 20%. These cuts will cripple key programs—and cost American lives.

The research arm of NOAA, the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), faces a staggering 74% budget cut in FY2026. This includes eliminating funding for the National Severe Storms Laboratory, which improves storm warning lead times, and the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations, which trains the next generation of forecasters. Advanced research into Phased Array Radar and the High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model are also targeted for elimination.

The impact extends beyond weather research. NOAA Fisheries, responsible for sustainable seafood management, endangered species protection, and enforcement of environmental laws, faces a 30% cut. This threatens habitat restoration and protections for dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life. Other oceanic programs tracking toxic algae blooms, supporting hurricane hunter flights, and maintaining tide gauges are also on the chopping block.

NOAA’s satellite capabilities are being diminished too. Crucial microwave data from the Department of Defense, which helps meteorologists track hurricane intensification overnight, will be cut off.

Climate programs are hit hardest. This budget effectively wipes out virtually all climate research and initiatives—undermining efforts to confront climate change.

These cuts are reckless and unnecessary. They will weaken America’s global leadership in science, drive away top researchers, degrade forecast accuracy, and ultimately put American lives at risk.

We must act now. Please sign this petition and contact your local representatives to demand they protect NOAA and our future.