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Major Layoffs at NOAA Amid Federal Workforce Cuts
On Thursday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faced significant workforce reductions as part of broader measures undertaken by the Trump administration along with the recently established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Reports indicate that about 880 employees were impacted by these layoffs.
According to an official source, approximately 5% of NOAA’s workforce was affected, but claims have emerged suggesting that critical personnel, particularly meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS), were not spared from these cuts. An insider from the NWS contest this assertion, stating that some meteorologists did indeed lose their positions.
Those let go during this round of layoffs included many probationary employees who received an email outlining that their performance did not meet the agency’s current needs, as guided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Reports suggest nearly 400 individuals at the NWS were in probationary status at the time of the layoffs, though the specific number affected remains uncertain. One of the employees laid off, Tom DiLiberto, expressed his frustration at the situation. Having been with NOAA since 2010 and transitioning to a federal role less than two years ago, he noted that he was just weeks away from completing his probationary period.
DiLiberto lamented, “Today, we witnessed the erosion of scientific integrity, and many of those terminated were exceptionally dedicated individuals. Our focus has always been on providing essential services to the public without political influences. The decision to cut these roles is a significant blow to science.” He had recently contributed to an El Niño Southern Oscillation blog, marking it as his final publication on the day of his dismissal.
The implications of these layoffs have sparked concerns among congressional Democrats, who had previously raised alarms about potential austerity measures spearheaded by DOGE, with speculation surrounding involvement from billionaire Elon Musk. Former NOAA officials suggested that employees had been warned to brace for budget cuts of up to 30% and a drastic reduction in personnel by half.
Before these layoffs, NOAA employed roughly 12,000 individuals globally; of these, nearly 6,800 were engaged as scientists or engineers. In light of these recent cuts, the agency’s forecasting capabilities and its role in safeguarding public safety have come under scrutiny.
Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, highlighted the repercussions of these layoffs, asserting that they compromise the nation’s preparedness for extreme weather events like hurricanes and wildfires. “These cuts not only risk public safety but also have detrimental impacts on economic stability and the livelihoods of millions tied to fisheries and related industries,” she remarked.
Representative Jared Huffman took a strong stance against these layoffs, labeling them as a betrayal to citizens reliant on public services provided by NOAA. He criticized the actions initiated by DOGE and affiliated individuals, stating that they undermine the expertise essential for weather forecasting and emergency management, which puts lives at risk.
Concerns were also echoed by House Science Committee ranking member Zoe Lofgren, who warned that these layoffs will have life-threatening consequences. She emphasized that NOAA’s primary mission is to protect lives and property, and any reduction in staff hampers the agency’s ability to fulfill its vital functions.
Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto from the Union of Concerned Scientists expressed alarm over the cuts, suggesting that NOAA’s data supports a vast array of critical sectors and denying the agency essential manpower will have widespread ramifications for everyday Americans.
Amid these critical changes, Neil Jacobs has been nominated to lead NOAA, a role he previously undertook during Trump’s first term. His nomination is pending Senate approval and follows a controversial incident where he was reprimanded for ethics violations regarding hurricane forecasting practices.
As NOAA braces for a new era marked by significant staffing challenges, questions persist regarding the implications for public safety and environmental stewardship in the coming months.
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