The Disastrous Impact of Proposed Elimination of NOAA Research
If the administration’s 2026 budget passback plan is enacted, NOAA Research will be eliminated, and its 10 research laboratories and 16 affiliated Cooperative Institutes will be closed. This would have devastating consequences for public safety and economic health.
- Stagnation of National Weather Service weather models and products
- Reduced observational data collection
- Decrease in public outreach
- Drop in support for undergraduate and graduate students
- Plummeting of NOAA funding for universities
The elimination of NOAA Research would drastically undercut the scientific backbone and workforce needed to keep weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings accurate and effective.
The Benefits of NOAA Research
NOAA Research has provided numerous benefits to the U.S. taxpayer, including:
- Development of the national Doppler radar network, which sparked severe thunderstorm warnings and improved weather forecasting.
- Creation and improvement of the National Weather Service computer weather models, which provide hourly and daily weather forecasts.
- Development of the NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft, which collects essential observations to improve hurricane forecasts and enhance public safety.
- Implementation of the lake hypoxia warning system, which keeps drinking water potable in the Great Lakes region.
These benefits have had a significant impact on public safety and economic health.
Examples of NOAA Research
The work of NOAA Research Labs and Cooperative Institutes has had a profound impact on various aspects of weather forecasting and services. For instance:
* The NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft collects data to improve hurricane forecasts and enhance public safety. * The lake hypoxia warning system ensures that drinking water remains potable in the Great Lakes region. * The development of the national Doppler radar network has improved severe thunderstorm warnings and enhanced weather forecasting. * The implementation of the U.S. Climate Reference Network has provided critical information on climate change and its causes.
Imagine the Consequences
If NOAA Research is eliminated, the consequences would be severe. Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings would be less accurate, reservoir management would be compromised, and Hurricane Hunter aircraft would be delayed. The lives of American taxpayers would be affected every day, and the economy would suffer.
Reaching Out to Elected Representatives
The time to act is now. Reaching out to your elected representatives and sharing your concerns is crucial. You can use the 5 Calls app on your phone to assist you in contacting your representatives.
Resources
About the American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services.
About the National Weather Association
The National Weather Association is a leader in weather-related issues, and provides critical information to the public. They offer various services and programs to support the nation’s weather forecasting and research efforts.
Conclusion
The elimination of NOAA Research would have devastating consequences for public safety and economic health. The benefits of NOAA Research are numerous and have had a significant impact on various aspects of weather forecasting and services. The time to act is now.
