CALIFORNIA – California representative Jared Huffman (CA-2) and other members of Congress sent a letter, March 13, to the Trump Administration opposing plans to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide.
They warned that the closures, including three in California, would have a “far-reaching impact.”
“NOAA provides critical information about extreme weather and coastal hazards, manages fisheries, conserves coastal and marine resources, and protects American fishermen and consumers,” said representatives in the letter.
The closures are part of the administration’s plan to save money by eliminating ‘non-core assets,’ with total reductions expected to save over $430 million annually.
The representatives go on to say that closing field facilities will compromise NOAA’s ability to provide services and damage the local communities and economies that rely on them.
Offices are involved in critical activities — seafood inspection, law enforcement
Offices in California affected by the reduction are the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Eureka and Arcata, that the representatives say are involved in critical activities, such as seafood inspection and law enforcement.
“These NOAA offices defend American fishermen from unfair fishing practices, bar unsafe food products from American markets, and bolster coastal economies,” said the representatives.
In addition, the National Ocean Service (NOS) in Santa Barbara will also be closed, which the lawmakers say Americans rely on to improve everyday services such as GPS and weather forecasting.
NOS along with Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) labs – which is losing 2 facilities, monitors the oceans and the atmosphere to ensure the country is prepared for extreme weather events.
At least 23 NMFS offices are closing nationwide, 5 NOS offices, and the National Weather Service (NWS) is at risk of losing at least three offices, including a weather center in Norman, Oklahoma.
So far, 793 leases will be terminated across the government
The lawmakers, who serve on oversight committees for fisheries, wildlife, and the National Weather Service, are requesting all communications between the General Services Administration (GSA) and individuals with NOAA or Department of Commerce email addresses for review.
According to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the Trump Administration is terminating 793 leases across the government – including 47 Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices.
 and other members of congress sent a letter, March 13, to the Trump Administration saying plans to terminate at least 34 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) office leases nationwide – including 3 in California will have ‘far reaching impact.’){kind=link}