1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plays a vital role in producing accurate weather forecasts that protect lives and property across the nation. Terminating the lease for the National Centers for Environmental Prediction in Maryland would severely undermine NOAA's ability to gather and analyze critical data needed for weather modeling and prediction. This facility houses key operations that operate the weather models used for forecasting, and if that lease is terminated it would essentially end weather forecasting in the United States. Losing access to this site would be detrimental to public safety and national security. Maintaining NOAA's operational capabilities is essential for communities to properly prepare for and respond to severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and flooding. Forecasting disruptions could lead to significant economic losses as well from impacts on sectors like aviation, shipping, agriculture and more. The agency has already faced devastating staffing cuts, putting immense strain on the remaining workforce. Compounding these losses by closing major prediction centers would push NOAA to the brink of failure in fulfilling its critical mission. I urge you to intervene and ensure NOAA retains the National Centers for Environmental Prediction facility in Maryland. Preserving this key asset is necessary to safeguard the lives, property and economic security of all Americans that rely on NOAA's vital weather forecasting and climate monitoring services. Terminating this lease would be an unacceptable dereliction that increases risks to public welfare.