New Map Highlights NOAA’s Nationwide Benefits Amid Budget Cut Threats

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) released a new interactive map showcasing the extensive national presence of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in communities across the country. At a time when job eliminations and proposed budget cuts threaten weather and storm tracking, atmospheric research, seafood availability and the associated local jobs nationwide, this new tool was built to help identify how budget cuts would impact local communities. To our knowledge, this is the first time this information has ever been made visually available to the public.

Daily weather forecasts and emergency alerts, climate research, coastal restoration and support of American fisheries are just some of NOAA's services that protect our economy and keep us safe from extreme weather. The new map shows NOAA labs, programs, partnerships and major offices by state and congressional district to help policymakers and the public alike understand the agency's local footprint and impact.

Data for the map was compiled from NOAA's publicly available "NOAA in Your State and Territory " documents and other official sources. The map reveals a striking footprint: nearly 200 National Ocean Service offices, another 200 National Weather Service offices, and additional facilities totaling 735 NOAA sites nationwide. All 735 NOAA sites are broken down by federal budget line item so you can see which specific budget cuts would impact your community.

"Americans benefit every day from NOAA's up-to-date weather reports, storm tracking, fisheries management and numerous other public services," said Joanna Slaney, Environmental Defense Fund's Vice President for Political and Government Affairs. "DOGE's attacks on NOAA programs are already undermining our safety from extreme weather, and any additional cuts to weather reporting and storm tracking would threaten our communities even further. This transparency is more important than ever."

"NOAA, through its broad portfolio of data, tools, information, and decision aids, is there for every American individual, community, and industry," said former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad. "Whether it's historical weather patterns, or unique environmental conditions, or critical living marine resources, NOAA's decades of environmental intelligence is there for you, and the 'NOAA in Your State' tool is one of the most useful government products available to us all."

"There is no other agency in the federal government more closely connected to the combined economic, scientific, national security and public health and safety interests of this nation," said Pamitha Weerasinghe, Chair of Friends of NOAA. "The 'NOAA in your State' tool shows that the vital work of NOAA is visible from the front doors and in backyards throughout the country."

To explore the map and learn about NOAA's presence in your area, take a look at the map here.