The Trump administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced plans to close nearly two dozen offices related to science, agriculture, and the environment in California. According to a federal database, these lease terminations will affect important agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Geological Survey.
The DOGE claims these closures are part of a cost-saving strategy, aiming to save taxpayers a significant amount. The department plans to shut down around 800 lease locations across the country, cutting over 10 million square feet of federal office space and saving about $500 million. However, they haven’t provided details about the exact addresses or the specific functions of each office.
California Heavily Affected
Out of all the closures listed, 65 locations are in California alone. Among these, 22 offices — about 35% — are tied to environmental protection and scientific research.
One of the notable closures is the NOAA office in Eureka, which houses the National Marine Fisheries Service. This office plays a key role in managing and protecting oceans, marine life, and fisheries. Local Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), have expressed serious concerns about this move.
In a letter to Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the Department of Commerce (which oversees NOAA), they stated:
“Closing field offices will seriously weaken NOAA’s ability to give vital information about extreme weather, coastal hazards, and marine conservation. It will also hurt local economies and communities that depend on these services.”
More Offices Facing Closure
The closures are not limited to NOAA alone. Several other critical offices in California are on the list:
- U.S. Forest Service Office in Mount Shasta (536 sq. ft.)
- National Park Service Office in Ventura
- Fish and Wildlife Service Offices in Arcata and Palm Springs
- U.S. Geological Survey Offices in Santa Maria (likely part of California Water Science Center)
A major closure includes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) office in Los Angeles, which covers 13,541 square feet and costs about $572,000 annually. Recently, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made headlines by announcing aggressive cost-cutting policies, emphasizing the need to move away from what he described as the “climate change religion.”
Other Agencies Affected
Other federal offices in California facing closure include:
- Bureau of Land Management Offices in Ukiah
- Farm Service Agency Offices in Madera and Bakersfield
- Bureau of Reclamation Offices in Weaverville and Temecula
- Civil Corps of Engineers Offices in Davis and Apple Valley (which handle dams and waterways)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices in Oxnard, Woodland, Salinas, and Blythe. The NRCS helps farmers and landowners conserve soil, water, and other natural resources.
The Bigger Picture
The Trump administration argues that shutting down these offices will help reduce unnecessary federal spending and promote government efficiency. However, critics say these closures could have long-term negative effects on California’s environment, local communities, and public services.
Many lawmakers and environmental groups fear that losing these offices could disrupt:
- Climate monitoring
- Disaster preparedness
- Water and soil conservation
- Fisheries and marine resource management
- Wildlife protection and park services
Given California’s size, its rich biodiversity, and its vulnerability to natural disasters like wildfires and droughts, the state relies heavily on these agencies to manage its environmental resources.
Conclusion
While the Department of Government Efficiency insists this move is about saving money, opponents argue that cutting funds and closing environmental and scientific offices will cost more in the long run — both economically and ecologically. With California’s environmental challenges growing, these decisions might impact not just the state, but the entire country.
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