NOAA Workforce Cutbacks Threaten Critical Weather and Climate Services
Hundreds of employees, primarily probationary workers, are being laid off as part of federal downsizing, raising concerns about public safety and operational capacity.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began laying off between 560 and 1,830 employees, representing up to 10% of its workforce, with terminations starting Thursday.
- The layoffs, targeting probationary employees with less than two years of service or recent promotions, come as part of a broader federal downsizing effort led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Elon Musk.
- The cuts are expected to significantly impact the National Weather Service (NWS), which provides life-saving forecasts and warnings, amid reports that the agency was already understaffed prior to the layoffs.
- Lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Huffman and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, have condemned the layoffs, citing risks to public safety and potential legal violations, and vowed to challenge the decision in Congress and courts.
- NOAA has reportedly been directed to prepare for further budget reductions, which could disrupt critical functions such as weather forecasting, climate research, and emergency management support.
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