Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (“PEER”) issued an April 29th news release stating that a:
…network of federal centers tracking stream flow for flood warnings and drought management as well as water quality is being shredded…
PEER states that 20 Water Science Centers incorporated within the U.S. Geological Survey (“USGS”) had their leases terminated under cuts directed by the Department of Government Efficiency which is referenced as operating through the General Services Administration.
The leases for the referenced Water Science Centers are stated to be scheduled for termination as early as August 31, 2025.
PEER cites as a source for this information the ranking member of the United States House Natural Resources Committee, Jared Huffman.
Appearing on the list of facilities scheduled for closure attached to the PEER release is the Arkansas Water Science Center which is stated to be located at 401 Hardin Road in Little Rock, Arkansas. The termination date listed is September 30, 2025.
The referenced facilities’ activities include tracking streamflow, which is utilized to provide information relevant to:
- Flood warnings.
- Drought management.
- Water quality.
They utilize equipment such as stream gauges and groundwater monitoring wells to obtain relevant data.
PEER describes itself as a service organization for environmental public health professionals, land managers, scientists, enforcement officers, and other civil servants dedicated to upholding environmental laws and values. The organization states it works with current and former federal, state, local, and tribal employees.
A link to the news release and the list of 20 facilities can be downloaded here.
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