By: Melanie DaSilva, Sophia Szabo , WPRI12
(WPRI) — Reports of the Trump Administration’s plan for cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has some Rhode Islanders concerned.
Rep. Seth Magaziner and Save The Bay hosted a roundtable discussion on Monday to discuss potential impacts.
There is word that NOAA’s workforce will be slashed by 50%.
The federal agency supports thousands of jobs in the Ocean State’s fishing and aquaculture industry, as well as funds research into ocean conservation.
BACKGROUND: Hundreds of weather forecasters fired in latest wave of DOGE cuts
Lawmakers say they are worried about potential layoffs and what it could mean for weather forecasting and ocean research.
“When we’re looking at storm preparedness at the state level, whether it be at DEM or DOT or Emergency Management Agency, we rely very heavily on the weather service for information to keep people safe,” Rhode Island Department of Information Director Terrence Gray said.
DOGE also plans to slash 30% of NOAA’s budget as it continues its mission to cut government spending.