DOGE Scrutinizes NOAA
Date: February 10, 2025
Subject: Review of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) actions and potential impacts on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Executive Summary:
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is actively scrutinizing and gaining access to NOAA's IT systems. This has raised significant concerns about potential budget and staff cuts, the loss or damage of vital climate and weather data, impacts on NOAA's ability to provide critical services (like weather forecasting and hurricane tracking), and the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related materials. The situation is described as a "hostile corporate takeover" by some observers and is linked to Project 2025, a conservative plan to dismantle and downsize NOAA. These actions are generating strong opposition from Democratic lawmakers and concerns from former NOAA officials and related organizations.
Key Themes and Information:
- DOGE Access and Actions:
- DOGE has gained access to NOAA's IT systems, raising concerns about the security of sensitive data. At least one member of DOGE was requested access.
- DOGE staffers reportedly "blew through security" and entered NOAA headquarters. As Andrew Rosenberg noted, "They apparently just sort of walked past security and said: ‘Get out of my way,’ and they’re looking for access for the IT systems, as they have in other agencies."
- The DOGE is reportedly looking for anything tied to DEI and ordering the removal of DEI-related materials from bulletin boards, websites, and internal communications. Employee resource groups and support spaces have also been taken down.
- DOGE employee Nikhil Rajpal was given edit access to NOAA's documents, reportedly following an order from acting Secretary of Commerce Jeremy Pelter.
- The National Marine Fisheries Service has been ordered to halt "ALL INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS."
- Personnel Changes and Potential Impacts:
- NOAA is preparing for potential layoffs and budget cuts. The agency has been told to expect to lose half of its employees and prepare for a 30% budget cut, according to former NOAA officials.
- A NOAA employee who led diversity and inclusion efforts was placed on administrative leave.
- There are concerns that NOAA's "irreplaceable climate and weather data could be damaged or lost."
- Impact on NOAA's Mission and Services:
- Concerns that cuts to NOAA could negatively impact its ability to provide critical services, including weather forecasts and warnings for severe weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes. As Jennifer Brady of Climate Central notes, "NOAA is a vital piece of our communication strategy...Their data is vetted, it's verified. So, we know we can use it and trust it in our reports."
- The Union of Concerned Scientists' Juan Declet-Barreto describes the situation as "a hostile corporate takeover of a government agency that provides a suite of services to the public to protect lives and to protect property."
- There is a fear that privatizing weather forecasts could put more Americans at risk, especially if access to this information becomes a paid service.
- Project 2025 Connection:
- DOGE's actions are linked to Project 2025, a conservative plan that advocates for breaking up and downsizing NOAA, deeming it "one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry and, as such, is harmful to future U.S. prosperity."
