Deep Federal Budget and Workforce Cuts Jeopardize Our Nation’s Future

As leaders in environmental education, we see firsthand how sweeping federal budget and workforce cuts are dismantling essential programs that children, families, and communities need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. These cuts to agencies that protect the air we breathe and the water we drink, educate our children to have the know-how to navigate a complex world, support teachers doing the heavy lifting of teaching the next generations, and safeguard public lands where Americans connect with nature and hobbies they love are not just policy decisions—they have real and immediate consequences across the country.

These reductions are at odds with what a majority of Americans prioritize—our children's future, environmental stewardship, and continued progress as a nation. With substantial public support for environmental protection and preparing the next generation to address these challenges, scaling back these programs does not align with the will of the people.

The impact of these cuts will be felt for decades, leading to the loss of:

• Educational programs that prepare students to tackle environmental challenges and build critical thinking skills.
• Scientists and researchers working to make communities healthier and more resilient and driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.
• Agencies and organizations that ensure corporations uphold environmental standards and responsible practices.
• Weather forecasting that helps communities prepare for floods, fires, and storms.
• Public information systems that provide critical updates during environmental emergencies and health scares.
• Access to parks, forests, and public lands that belong to all Americans and where we make some of our favorite family memories.

A robust talent pool of trained professionals is essential for making scientific discoveries, protecting our environment, and preparing experts to face whatever challenges are coming our way. Weakening this talent pool jeopardizes our leadership position as an innovation nation and makes us susceptible to threats that will degrade our well-being. All this adds up to a country that is less informed, less prepared, less secure, and less competitive—an outcome no one wants.

The effects are already visible. Environmental educators see the consequences daily—field trips canceled, science and environmental materials disappearing from classrooms, teachers and educators laid off, and fewer opportunities for children to learn outdoors. Of the more than 200 nonprofits, universities, schools, and other organizations that responded to NAAEE’s impact survey, more than 60% said they are deeply concerned about the future of their programs and organizations. More than 42% have already faced staff reductions or expect them soon, more than 40% have had to pause or cancel programs, and more 46% are concerned about the cuts’ disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. 

(Join our Town Hall with Kristen Grimm, Friday, March 21 at 2:00 PM ET, to learn more about the survey results >)

Federal agencies have long supported research, trained educators, and ensured that all communities—especially those facing the biggest challenges—have access to quality education.

Congress Must Rein This In and Steer Us Toward a Stronger Future

We call on Congress to:

1. End the reimbursement freeze immediately. The U.S. government needs to be a rock-solid partner that we can count on. Organizations that provided services in good faith should not be left without funding.
2. Honor existing grants and contracts. The U.S. government needs to keep its word. Schools and nonprofits made hiring and purchasing decisions based on these commitments. Breaking them threatens jobs and stability nationwide.
3. Restore funding for essential agencies. The U.S. government cannot make Americans more unsafe by carelessly stripping funding. The EPA, NOAA, USDA, BLM, DOI, and Department of Education need full funding to carry out their missions.
4. Invest in environmental education. The strongest nations prioritize education and the U.S. should too. As other nations expand science education, we cannot afford to fall behind. With the caliber of our scientists, researchers, and educators, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of state-of-the-art environmental education and we should take it.

Congress is sworn to serve the people, including our children, who deserve clean air, clean water, and the education to protect these resources. Teachers need the tools to prepare students for the future. Communities deserve protection from environmental threats. Congress must act in the best interest of the many, not in the interest of a few.

We urge every member of Congress to protect these programs and recognize what these cuts mean—not just today, but for generations to come. The environmental stewards of tomorrow are in our classrooms today, and they are counting on your leadership.