Lawmakers Express Concern Over NOAA Forecasting Capabilities Amid Budget Cuts

Lawmakers expressed concerns over proposed cuts to the budget sought by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for fiscal year 2025.

In a hearing before the Environment Subcommittee of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee on Tuesday, Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., expressed his disappointment over the reduced proposed funding for the agency’s severe weather forecasting capabilities. Reps. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., also shared Lucas’ sentiments.

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad discussed reasons behind the agency’s commission to cut spending on other areas to prioritize other goals, including improving its workforce, FedScoop reported.

Spinrad said that the fiscal 2025 budget proposal focuses on five areas, including investing in next-generation environmental satellites, training professionals and expanding the technology to help address climate change, and improving knowledge-sharing and service delivery in all communities. He explained that the investments will future-proof the agency’s weather, climate and ocean observation capabilities.

While budget constraints continue to be a problem, the agency has been embracing new emerging technologies to enhance its mission. In early May, it tapped Verizon to accelerate the deployment of uncrewed aircraft systems that will improve the collection of aerial imagery during natural disasters.