The White House has released its preliminary fiscal year 2026 budget request, known as the “skinny budget,” outlining significant proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with a particular focus on reducing funding for climate-related programs.
According to the budget overview, NOAA’s total funding would be reduced by USD 1.3 billion (EUR 1.1 billion), a move that would impact a wide range of grants, research initiatives, and educational outreach programs. The administration stated that many of these programs will be discontinued, including climate-focused research grants and educational partnerships.
The budget document specifically points to NOAA-supported initiatives involving environmental education and climate resilience as targets for reduction or elimination. Programs cited include the Climate Adaptation Partnerships and educational initiatives with external organizations such as the Ocean Conservancy and One Cool Earth.
The proposed changes confirm earlier reports suggesting NOAA – including its fisheries division, which oversees commercial and recreational fishing in U.S. waters – would see major restructuring under the new budget framework.
Reaction from the conservation and environmental sectors has been swift. “The Trump administration’s proposed budget would eliminate many of the programs designed to protect our oceans – putting marine life and the marine economy at risk,” said Lara Levison, senior director of federal policy at Oceana. “Congress needs to stand up for every American who depends on healthy oceans and reject this proposal.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also facing substantial reductions under the proposal, with details expected in the full budget release later this year.