PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • April 30, 2025
Officials within the Trump administration have advocated the removal of NOAA’s scientific research division, including programs related to climate, education and research grants, because they are “misaligned with the president’s agenda.” This is shortsighted and reckless. NOAA has already been the subject of mass layoffs by the Trump administration, which were reversed by the Supreme Court and reimposed by the administration. Last summer, I conducted research on the impacts extreme winter storm events had on Lincoln County. There was clear consensus that the most important parts of coastal resilience were warning before the storms and collaboration in recovery efforts. The budget cuts are detrimental to every American. The work NOAA does is critical for maintaining up-to-date climate records, which help farmers and fishermen across the country feed our nation. Maine’s fishermen, economy, coastal communities, students and future are all at risk. ~ Kyle Pellerin, Bowdoin College student