Trump Administration Proposes Deep Cuts to NOAA Climate Research in 2026 Budget
A newly obtained NOAA budget document reveals sweeping proposed cuts to federal climate science programs, marking the Trump administration’s most aggressive move yet to dismantle climate research infrastructure.
Key Proposed Changes
The FY2026 budget would:
- Eliminate NOAA’s Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), the agency’s primary climate science division
- Terminate funding for 26 climate research programs including:
• Climate Competitive Research grants
• Regional Climate Data initiatives
• National Sea Grant College Program
• Mauna Loa Observatory (Hawaii’s critical CO2 monitoring station) - Transfer limited weather forecasting functions to the National Weather Service
Why It Matters
The cuts would fundamentally reshape NOAA’s mission at a time when:
- 2023 marked Earth’s hottest year on record
- Extreme weather events cost the U.S. $92.9 billion in 2023
- Scientists warn global CO2 levels now exceed 420 ppm – 50% higher than pre-industrial levels
“These cuts represent a wholesale retreat from climate science,” said Alan Gerard, former NOAA Severe Storms Lab director. “We’d be flying blind into an era of escalating climate disasters.”
Administration’s Rationale
NOAA Communications Director Kim Doster defended the proposal:
“This budget sharpens NOAA’s focus on life-saving weather forecasts while cutting redundant, politically motivated programs. Every dollar will deliver actionable science to protect Americans.”
Critics counter that the plan:
- Severs U.S. leadership in climate modeling
- Eliminates sea level rise monitoring
- Ends support for coastal resilience programs
Broader Climate Policy Context
The NOAA proposal follows other Trump administration moves to:
- Roll back EPA climate regulations
- Cut DOE renewable energy funding by 38%
- Propose selling 30 million acres of federal lands
Political Outlook
While Republicans control Congress, the proposal faces hurdles:
- Recent bipartisan opposition blocked similar land-sale attempts
- Key senators have pledged to protect coastal state programs
- Legal challenges may target specific cuts
What’s at Stake
Programs on the chopping block include:
- Arctic Research: Critical for understanding rapid polar warming
- Ocean Acidification Monitoring: Vital for fisheries management
- Climate Resilience Grants: Help communities prepare for disasters
What’s Next
Congress will begin budget markups in July, with final appropriations likely to reflect compromises. However, the proposal signals the administration’s continued prioritization of fossil fuel development over climate science.
The story has been updated with NOAA’s official response. For continuing coverage of federal climate policy, subscribe to our newsletter.
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