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Climate Research Saves Lives

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) both conduct independent scientific research that saves lives from the causes and impacts of climate change. The Trump administration has acted to eliminate climate research, but Congress can take back control. Urge your members of Congress to fully fund EPA and NOAA research.


Background

EPA’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is its independent science arm, conducting research that supports clean air, water and land, ensuring EPA decisions are grounded in credible, evidence-based research.  NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) division provides better weather forecasts, earlier warnings for natural disasters, and unbiased data to track climate change.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration began dismantling ORD and OAR by terminating programs, cutting staff, and closing laboratories. It then took measures to eliminate ORD and OAR entirely.


Why Now

Some members of Congress are defending funding for EPA and NOAA research. A bipartisan Senate appropriations bill orders EPA to halt all changes to ORD and maintain staffing levels at its fiscal 2021capacity, including at its scientific centers and all 10 regional laboratories. However, the House appropriations bill cuts EPA Science and Technology by 31%.

A House bipartisan spending bill restores a majority of funding for NOAA's Operations, Research and Facilities (ORF) account, which includes OAR. The Senate also voted to make more funding available for key offices such as OAR. 

In order for these bills to become law, the House and Senate must reconcile the differences between their versions of appropriations bills, which are sent to the House and Senate for approval. If they are approved, they are sent to the President to sign. During the appropriations process, every Member of Congress can provide their preferences and input. Ask your Members of Congress to use this opportunity to insist on funding and staffing at ORD and OAR.


Jewish Perspectives

The study of Talmud models a lifelong dialogue across generations. At its heart is the practice of critically examining assumptions, a discipline that extends far beyond religious study. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Isidor Isaac Rabi recalled that when he was a child, his mother would ask him every day after school, “Izzy, did you ask a good question today?” He credited this simple question with teaching him that asking thoughtful questions matters more than having all the right answers. Both Talmudic and scientific traditions are rooted in this shared mindset of inquiry. Inquiry into the laws of nature are the mandates of ORD and OAR. To curtail them is profoundly at odds with this core value of Jewish discourse.


Sample Message to Your Senators and Representatives

I am worried about the scary weather disasters that are happening more and more. Also, I am concerned about what will happen to people’s health and safety if EPA no longer understands how pollutants impact humans and the environment.

I am writing to ask you to protect funding and staffing for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Research and EPA’s Office of Research and Development. Their research is essential for saving lives from natural disasters and toxic chemicals.

Government research is a priority for me because explain why you care…

I urge you to support NOAA and EPA research in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

Sincerely,[Your Name]


How to Contact Your Member of Congress

Find your Members of Congress at https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials.

Call the Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121 to reach your Member of Congress’ office.

Online: Go to your Member’s website and look for the “contact” page to submit a message.


Learn More

Dismantling EPA’s research office jeopardizes environmental safety, public health, and US competitiveness, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

 
 
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