Preserve Alaska's scientific research and education through NOAA funding.

The proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) budget would have devastating consequences for Alaska's scientific research and the training of the next generation of scientists in the state. These cuts would shutter institutions like the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES), the Alaska Ocean Observing System, Alaska Sea Grant, the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, and the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. These institutes play a crucial role in understanding and adapting to climate change in Alaska, as well as training students and researchers who contribute to the state's scientific expertise. The proposed cuts would disrupt ongoing research projects, force the layoff of staff and graduate students, and jeopardize the retrieval of valuable data and equipment from the field. Alaska relies on the work of these institutes and the University of Alaska system to study and address issues such as wildfire management, ocean conditions impacting fisheries, and the impacts of climate change. Losing this vital research capacity would have far-reaching consequences for the state's ability to navigate environmental challenges and manage its natural resources effectively. To maintain Alaska's leadership in Arctic and climate research, and to ensure the continued training of skilled scientists, it is imperative that NOAA's funding for these critical programs be preserved. Investing in scientific research and education is essential for Alaska's future, and these proposed cuts would undermine the state's ability to address pressing environmental and economic issues.