NOAA is a ‘critical agency,’ Louisiana climatologist warns | Environment

Louisiana state climatologist Jay Grymes warned Friday that NOAA’s mission is “critical” and its National Weather Service is already understaffed for its vital role as the Trump administration reportedly began layoffs at the federal agency.

Grymes noted that there are likely inefficiencies within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that could be addressed, but he cautioned that weakening core weather and climate roles at the “critical” agency could pose serious risks to Louisiana and the nation.

The National Weather Service, which falls under NOAA, in particular supplies the data used by local governments and media outlets in their forecasts while also assuring nationwide coverage, including in remote areas that would likely be neglected otherwise, he said.

The former WAFB-TV chief meteorologist in Baton Rouge said the public may not be aware of the depth of services NOAA and the NWS provide, ranging from oceanographic information relevant to New Orleans’ shipping industry to extreme weather watches and warnings. 

“There’s no question that probably every government agency has places where efficiency could be improved and NOAA is bound to be one. It’s a big agency,” Grymes said in an interview. “But it is really our ocean and atmospheric monitoring agency. So I think it’s imperative that cuts that are made to NOAA be done with that in mind, recognizing the need for efficiency, but also recognizing the importance of their environmental monitoring duties.”

He was particularly concerned about the fate of the NWS, saying that “there’s nothing that’s not impacted by weather,” which makes it invaluable.

“The National Weather Service is already understaffed and arguably underfunded, and if you look at what the National Weather Service does, its return on the dollar is probably as good or better than any other agency in government,” said Grymes, whose position falls under the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

President Donald Trump’s administration began layoffs of about 800 of the agency’s approximately 13,000 employees on Thursday, several national news media outlets reported. It was expected to be a first wave of cuts.

The NWS office in Slidell, which covers the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, had not been affected as of Thursday evening, said Mike Buchanan, the meteorologist in charge there. He said he could not comment on whether that could change.

A national NWS spokesperson declined comment on the reported layoffs.

“Per long-standing practice, we are not discussing internal personnel and management matters,” Susan Buchanan said in a statement. “NOAA remains dedicated to its mission, providing timely information, research and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nation’s environmental and economic resilience. We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.”

The Associated Press reported that the cuts included hundreds of forecasters and other NOAA employees on probationary status. They included meteorologists responsible for local forecasts, it said.

The layoffs are part of a sweeping downsizing of government being pursued by President Donald Trump, who argues the steps are necessary to make agencies more responsive and efficient while saving taxpayer dollars.

Trump and others in his administration have castigated the well-established science surrounding human-caused climate change. NOAA has conducted key research into climate change and its effects on the country.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.