Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey's Ecosystems Mission Area are facing imminent layoffs and a proposed budget elimination that could dismantle essential conservation programs. A federal judge has temporarily restrained layoffs affecting numerous federal employees, but the White House's 2026 budget seeks to cut $307 million from this division. This shift poses a threat to fish and wildlife management, environmental health initiatives, and climate change adaptation efforts, undermining long-standing conservation work in the U.S.
If the White House has its way, its proposed 2026 budget would eliminate the Ecosystems Mission Area, or EMA, altogether, which would significantly impact American conservation efforts.
The public-facing proposal is less specific but includes a $564 million cut to all of USGS, claiming it would eliminate programs focused on social agendas like climate change.
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