According to sources who spoke to CBS News, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is set to cut an additional 1,029 jobs. This comes as part of a directive from the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management, which requires agencies to submit reduction in force plans by March 13. NOAA is expected to present its proposal for these reductions to the Department of Commerce by Tuesday evening.

The Department of Commerce will review NOAA's proposal and may either approve the suggested layoffs or request modifications that could result in more or fewer job cuts. Along with staff reductions, there will be a discontinuation of various programs currently managed by NOAA, though it is unclear which specific programs will be affected.

NOAA, as one of several scientific agencies within the federal government, plays a crucial role in areas such as weather forecasting, coastal restoration, fisheries management, and marine commerce support. The agency's work influences over one-third of the United States' gross domestic product, according to its own reports.

Previously, on February 27, NOAA terminated 880 employees, primarily including probationary staff members who had been with the agency for less than two years. With the buyouts offered by the Office of Personnel Management earlier this year, NOAA could see a total workforce reduction of 20% with this next phase of layoffs. Before January 2025, NOAA's global workforce was over 12,000, with more than half being comprised of scientists and engineers.

A crucial branch within NOAA is the National Weather Service, which is tasked with weather forecasting, issuing severe weather alerts, and offering essential weather-related services that safeguard public safety. This department has already experienced a loss of hundreds of employees due to retirements, buyouts, and the firing of probationary staff. Following some discrepancies in these probationary firings, a limited number of individuals from three regional offices have been prompted to return, but it remains uncertain how many National Weather Service employees have been reinstated.