Weather forecasting agency NOAA to cut another 1,000 workers, reports say
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration could lose another 1,000 employees as part of the Trump administration's plan to cut costs in the federal government, according to multiple reports.
The agency, which includes the National Weather Service and oversees monitoring of the world's atmosphere and the weather and climate in the U.S., already saw more than 880 employees get cut in late February.
The NOAA declined to comment on the layoffs in a statement obtained by Paste BN Monday, stating it "remains dedicated to its mission, providing timely information, research, and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nation's environmental and economic resilience."
"We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warning pursuant to our public safety mission," the statement concluded.
According to the New York Times, the reductions so far would represent nearly 20% of NOAA's approximately 13,000-member work force. Some activities, such as the launching of weather balloons, have already been suspended due to staffing shortages, the New York Times reported.
Reuters reported that all U.S. government agencies have been ordered to come up with layoff plans by March 13, with the New York Times reporting the layoff proposals are likely to involve eliminating some of the agency's functions.
What does the NOAA do?
NOAA has sweeping responsibilities for safeguarding lives through monitoring and forecasting the nation’s most violent storms, daily weather and long-term climate. Its agencies and employees have broad scientific duties that include collecting, storing and sharing data, maintaining a research fleet of satellites, ships and aircraft, as well as managing the nation’s ocean and marine species and saltwater fishing.
Among the agencies that employ its more than 6,700 engineers and scientists, are the National Weather Service, Storm Prediction Center and National Marine Fisheries Service.
Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, Paste BN
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at Paste BN. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.