Amid nationwide layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, city leaders are traveling to Washington, D.C., to advocate for meteorologists and the National Weather Center.
Twenty one representatives from the city, including Norman Chamber of Commerce members, city council members and business and university leaders, will be traveling to the U.S. Capitol from April 7-9 to advocate for issues that are important to Norman’s business community.
Scott Martin, president and CEO of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, said it just so happens that the trip coincides with mass federal cuts by the Trump administration.
According to The Associated Press, NOAA, the nation’s top weather and climate agency, began plans to lay off 1000 jobs — 10% of its current workforce — on Tuesday.
“This year with all the discussion around DOGE, we’re very locked into the impact that discussion may have around meteorology, radar, forecasting, and on top of that, our partners at the Mike Monroney FAA Center and also Tinker Air Force Base,” Martin said.
According to reporting by The Norman Transcript, federal employees at Tinker Air Force Base are facing cuts.
Martin said many Norman residents work at federal establishments, so it’s important to emphasize that significance to lawmakers.
“We want to ensure that the root mission, critical services that are provided and the jobs that go with those services are defended and protected,” Martin said.
Martin said the chamber recognizes the importance of the weather industry for the Norman community but also the state of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma and the rest of the central U.S. experiences peak tornado season between April and June, according to the National Weather Service.
Martin emphasized how the work of the National Weather Center is important for predicting weather for the city, such as school districts and the agricultural community.
“When you're thinking about the critical functions that NOAA provides within Norman through radar, forecasting, prediction, it goes way beyond just how it impacts our family and our businesses, but it also goes to the farmers and ranchers that are our friends and neighbors,” Martin said.
Martin said he has faith in Oklahoma’s representatives to stand up for the best interests of the community.
On Friday, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) announced that three federal offices in Oklahoma, including the National Weather Center, will not be terminated after conversations with President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the Department of Government Efficiency’s list of terminated property leases, NOAA’s office in Norman is still listed as having a canceled lease.
Martin said, while he is optimistic that the federal delegation is going to stand up for these agencies and the services they provide, he understands why others are worried.
“Our delegation, they've been huge champions for these federal jobs and programs in Norman — in and around Norman — and so I'm confident that they're going to do great work representing these entities, …” Martin said. “But I know it causes a great deal of concern for those that are employed by NOAA, and we want to be mindful of that. I would encourage others to step up and help be a voice for our friends and neighbors here in Norman that are employed by NOAA and other federal agencies.”
This story was edited by Ismael Lele. Grace Rhodes copy edited this story.
