Fact Check: NOAA's budget proposal would eliminate the entire branch of the agency that does oceanic and atmospheric research.

Fact Check: NOAA's Budget Proposal Would Eliminate Entire Branch of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

What We Know

The claim that NOAA's budget proposal would eliminate the entire branch of the agency responsible for oceanic and atmospheric research is misleading. According to the NOAA budget and reports, the agency's budget for fiscal year 2025 maintains funding levels for critical research areas, including ocean exploration and research, which is allocated $46 million, the same as in fiscal year 2023. This indicates a commitment to continue oceanic and atmospheric research rather than eliminate it.

Furthermore, NOAA's mission includes a focus on understanding and predicting the Earth system, which encompasses both oceanic and atmospheric sciences. The NOAA Research strategy outlines priorities that directly support these areas, reaffirming the agency's ongoing commitment to research in these fields.

Analysis

The assertion that NOAA's budget proposal would completely eliminate a branch dedicated to oceanic and atmospheric research lacks substantial evidence. The sources reviewed indicate that NOAA is not only maintaining but also strategically directing funding to ensure the continuation of vital research efforts. For instance, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasizes its role in advancing scientific understanding of the Earth, which inherently includes oceanic and atmospheric studies.

Moreover, the reliability of the sources used to assess this claim is high. NOAA's official communications and budget documents provide authoritative information directly from the agency responsible for these programs. In contrast, claims made without direct citation from these official sources may lack the necessary context or accuracy.

The claim appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the budgetary allocations and priorities set forth by NOAA. The agency's budget documents clearly outline ongoing support for oceanic and atmospheric research, contradicting the assertion of a complete elimination of these branches.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that NOAA's budget proposal would eliminate the entire branch of the agency responsible for oceanic and atmospheric research is false. The agency's budget for fiscal year 2025 maintains funding for ocean exploration and research at the same level as previous years, demonstrating a commitment to these critical areas of study. The evidence from NOAA's official sources confirms that rather than eliminating research branches, the agency is continuing to support and prioritize them.

Sources

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2. Budget & Strategy - NOAA Research
3. National Hurricane Center
4. Budget and reports - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
5. Weather | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
6. About our agency - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
7. Climate - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
8. Latest Satellite Imagery - National Hurricane Center