1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I’m reaching out to express my deep concern over the proposed budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), particularly to the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and its Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL). These cuts would directly harm industries, especially small businesses and farmers, by crippling climate forecasting that we all rely on. Farmers in particular depend on accurate weather data and long-term climate predictions to plan crop cycles, manage resources, and protect against extreme weather. Without reliable climate models, they will have a harder time making informed decisions, resulting in lower yields, increased costs, and the potential for financial ruin in the face of unexpected climate events. These cuts could make it harder for local farms to survive in an already unstable environment. Small businesses, particularly those tied to agriculture or industries sensitive to weather, such as construction, retail, and hospitality, also rely on NOAA's data to plan and minimize risk. Climate forecasting drives decisions on everything from insurance to inventory, staffing, and disaster planning. Weakening NOAA’s ability to deliver this information will put countless small businesses in a tough spot, limiting their ability to thrive and create jobs. These proposed cuts are a step backward for both economic resilience and public safety. Reducing access to reliable climate science is a risk we can't afford, especially when it impacts people’s livelihoods and the health of local economies. I strongly urge you to reconsider this proposal. Protecting NOAA’s climate science isn’t just about saving research—it’s about saving businesses, jobs, and communities in our district.