Over the past three months, we have worked hard to track and respond to many of the concerning DOGE-related efforts to dismantle the important work of federal agencies, especially those which may be lesser known to Congress and the public but are of critical importance to the well-being of this country.
Yesterday, for example, we released information on DOGE’s termination of the leases of 20 Water Science Centers housed within the U.S. Geological Survey.
States use the water flow data collected by these centers to inform drought declarations and water withdrawal permits. State emergency agencies and FEMA use this data to check flood levels, and the Army Corps of Engineers uses it to ensure water does not overtop dams. The data is also used by state and local officials, emergency responders, water system operators, road and building designers, construction companies, city planners, conservation commissions, and many others.
So why would DOGE terminate these leases? Perhaps an AI program told them to? Or perhaps it was simple ignorance coupled with a healthy dose of arrogance? Either way, this is one of the many terrible DOGE decisions we are working to publicize and get overturned.
We are pressing ahead in these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Tim Whitehouse
Executive Director
P.S. If you would like to make a special donation to help us as we undertake this essential work, you may do so here.
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