Federal Budget Tracker
ESA’s Federal Budget Tracker monitors the federal appropriations process and provides information on budgets relevant to ecological sciences. It is updated as new appropriations information becomes available.
Click on the buttons below to jump to funding information, including budget tables, for a specific federal department or agency.
USDA AFRI USDA ARS USDA Forest Service Department of Energy
Bureau of Land Management US Fish and Wildlife Service US Geological Survey
National Park Service EPA NOAA NASA National Science Foundation
Current Status
President Biden released the first details of his Fiscal Year (FY 2025) budget request March 11, 2024. This page is being updated to cover the FY 2025 appropriations process.
Appropriations Overview
The federal budget is composed of discretionary spending and mandatory spending. Discretionary spending accounts for 27% of the total budget and funds the military and federal agencies. Congress determines the discretionary spending limits. Mandatory spending accounts for 73% of the total budget that primarily funds Medicare, Social Security and payment on the national debt and is set by law.
Through the federal appropriations process, Congress sets discretionary spending and allocates money to federal agencies and programs. The appropriations process is a multi-step process that involves agency budget requests, the President’s Budget, House and Senate Appropriations Committees and Subcommittees, hearings, annual budget resolutions bills, and twelve spending bills. These appropriations bills must be enacted prior to the start of the government’s fiscal year (Oct. 1-Sept.30). However, Congress often has often been unable to complete appropriations before the new fiscal year begins and uses Continuing Resolutions to extend funding for agencies at current-year levels to avoid a government shutdown.
FY 2025 Appropriations:
President Biden released his FY 2025 budget request on March 11, 2024, starting the FY 2025 appropriation process.
FY 2024 Appropriations:
Congress completed regular appropriations for FY 2024 in March 2024, ending an unusually lengthy and convoluted appropriations process. The spending bills were ultimately passed in the form of two “minibuses”—each a package of six appropriations bills. President Biden signed the first minibus (P.L. 118-42, comprising Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy-Water, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-HUD) on March 9 and the second (P.L. 118-47, comprising Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch and State-Foreign Operations) on March 23.
The FY 2024 appropriations bills adhere to limits set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which capped nondefense discretionary spending at levels slightly below FY 2023.
FY 2023 Appropriations:
On March 28, 2022 President Biden released his fiscal year 2023 President’s Budget Request, starting the FY 2023 appropriation process.
The House Appropriations Committee started releasing appropriations bills the week of June 13 and passed eight out of 12 spending bill in July 2022. The Senate Appropriations Committee released its spending bill the week of July 28.
FY 2022 Appropriations:
Congress finished appropriations for FY 2022, which started Oct 1., 2021, the week of March 7, 2022.
Appropriations by Federal Agency
Discretionary spending for relevant federal agencies and programs.
- National Science Foundation
- Department of the Interior
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Energy
- Environmental Protection Agency
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is the primary federal funding source for the ecological research community. NSF allocates 90 percent of its research funding through a merit review process as grants or cooperative agreements to individual researchers and groups at colleges, universities, academic consortia, nonprofit institutions, and small business. It is the only federal agency that supports research in all scientific fields.
NSF awards reach approximately 2,000 colleges, universities, and other public and private institutions across the country, and the agency provides critical funding for Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) education programs.
NSF’s Biological Sciences Directorate is the primary federal funding source for basic biological research at US colleges and universities. Its research disciplines include botany, zoology, microbiology, ecology, basic molecular and cellular biology, and other fields that enhance understanding of the natural world and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NSF appropriations: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (House and Senate)
FY 2025:
For FY 2025, the President’s budget requests an increase of over $1.1 billion for NSF—a 12.4% boost from FY 2024, when NSF funding was slashed by over 8%. However, the request is just 3.2% higher than the FY 2023 total (including that year’s $1.04 billion in supplemental funding). Not including FY 2023 supplemental funds, the FY 2025 budget request is 15.2% higher than FY 2023’s regular appropriations.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total NSF | 9,060 | 10,183.00 | 12.4% |
| Research and Related Activities | 7,176.50 | 8,045.32 | 12.1% |
| STEM Education | 1,172 | 1,300 | 10.9% |
| Major Research Equipment & Facilities Construction | 234 | 300.00 | 28.2% |
| Agency Operations and Award Management | 448 | 504.00 | 13% |
| Office of the National Science Board | 5.09 | 5.22 | 3% |
| Office of Inspector General | 24.41 | 28.46 | 16.6% |
FY 2024:
Despite the President’s FY 2024 budget request of $11.3 billion and an authorization level of over $15.6 billion under the CHIPS and Science Act, appropriators ultimately cut NSF funding by more than 8% relative to FY 2023. Research and Related Activities saw an 8.5% cut, to $7.176 billion, while funding for STEM Education was slashed 14.5%, to $1.172 billion.
These historic cuts partly reverse a 12% increase in funding that NSF received in FY 2023, which included over $1 billion in supplemental funding. Not including that supplemental funding, FY 2024’s appropriations of $9.06 billion for NSF amount to a 2.5% increase over FY 2023’s “regular” appropriations.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted* | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 24 House Bill† | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total NSF | 9,876.311 (1,037.662) | 11,314.68 | 9,060 | 9,060 | 9,060 | -8.3% |
| Research and Related Activities | 7,841.798 (820.662) | 9,029.9 | 7,176.5 | 7,176.5 | 7,176.5 | -8.5% |
| STEM Education | 1,371 (217) | 1,444.18 | 1,172 | 1,172 | 1,172 | -14.5% |
| Major Research Equipment & Facilities Construction | 187.23 | 304.67 | 234 | 234 | 234 | 25.0% |
| Agency Operations and Award Management | 448 | 503.87 | 448 | 448 | 448 | 0% |
| Office of the National Science Board | 5.09 | 5.25 | 5.09 | 5.09 | 5.09 | 0% |
| Office of Inspector General | 23.39 | 26.81 | 24.41 | 24.41 | 24.41 | 4.3% |
* NSF received over $1 billion in supplemental funding in FY 2023. Values in parentheses show supplemental funding included in each entry of this column.
† For FY 2024, neither the full House nor the full Senate passed a stand-alone CJS appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included CJS) on March 3, 2024, which both chambers passed within days and the President signed into law on March 9, 2024. See the full text and explanatory statements in the Congressional Record Volume 170, Issue 39.
FY 2023:
The spending bill includes $9.9 billion total for the National Science Foundation, a 12% increase. This includes $1.04 billion in supplemental funding for NSF, including $335 million for implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act. The Senate bill summary notes that this is the largest dollar increase for NSF of all time and the largest percentage increase for the agency in more than two decades. The increase will allow NSF to support approximately 2,300 additional research and education grants and 35,000 more scientists, technicians, teachers and students, compared to FY 2022. NSF’s Research and Related Activities account, which funds most NSF grants, receives $7.8 billion, a 9.5% increase.
FY 2022:
Biden’s President’s Budget Request includes proposals to increase funding for NSF programs to diversify STEM by 26%, increase the number of Graduate Research Fellowships to 2,000/year to 2,500/year and boost funding for the EPSCoR program by 40%. Biden also proposes increasing NSF’s contribution to the interagency U.S. Global Change Research Program by nearly 50% to $762 million. Research priorities include “intra-seasonal to centennial predictability, predictions, and projections; water cycle research; impacts of climate change on the nation’s critical ecosystems, including coastal, freshwater, agricultural and forests systems; understanding the impacts of global change on the Arctic region and effects on global climate; and fundamental research on actionable science.”
NSF receives $9.49 billion in the Senate bill, a nearly 12% increase in the Senate bill. This includes $7.7 billion for the research and related activities account. Within the research and related activities account, appropriations include up to $865 million for a new Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships which lawmakers and NSF hope will help the United States stay ahead of international competition in key areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and climate science. This mirrors proposals in the Senate’s U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (S. 1260) and the House’s NSF for the Future Act (H.R. 2225) to create a new technology directorate in NSF. Both of these bills passed their respective chambers during summer 2021. If NSF allocates the full $865 million to the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships, the total research and related activities funding for other NSF directorates could be around $100 million lower than FY 2021 levels.
In a summary of the bill, the Senate Appropriations Committee noted that this funding level will support approximately 2,300 additional research and education grants and 27,500 more scientists, technicians, teachers, and students compared FY 2021.
Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is the federal department in charge of protecting and managing the majority of the country’s natural and cultural resources. It also provides scientific and other information about these resources. DOI is responsible for most federal land.
FY 2025:
The President’s budget request would increase funding for DOI to $17.8 billion.
FY 2024:
The President’s budget requests $18.8 billion in discretionary funding for DOI, a 9.3% increase from the FY 2023 appropriated level. Appropriators ultimately funded DOI at $15.14 billion.
FY 2023:
The president’s budget request increases the Interior Department’s budget by 19.3%.
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) within DOI manages over 247 million acres of public lands. The agency manages for multiple use, including energy development, livestock grazing, recreation, and timber harvesting, as well as for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The BLM administers a 700-million acre subsurface mineral estate and also manages the National Landscape Conservation System.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over BLM: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests a 1.3% cut for the Bureau of Land Management.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total BLM | 1,413.1 | 1,395.25 | -1.3% |
FY 2024:
The Bureau of Land Management’s funding is cut by 5.4%, to $1.413 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total BLM | 1,494 | 1,669 | 1,180.65 | 1,413.13 | 1,413.13 | -5.4% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
The Bureau of Land Management receives $1.493 billion, a 5.89% increase.
FY 2022:
The Bureau of Land Management receives a 7.73% boost in funding, receiving $1.411 billion in the final omnibus spending bill.
US Fish and Wildlife Service
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency within DOI, provides important work in habitat conservation and endangered species protection throughout the National Wildlife Refuges, National Fish Hatcheries, fishery resource offices, and ecological services field stations under its jurisdiction. FWS also plays a vital role in interagency efforts to monitor and control the spread of invasive plant and animal species.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over USFWS: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests a 1% cut to US Fish and Wildlife Service funding over the previous year.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total USFWS | 1,722.67 | 1,705.57 | -1.0% |
| Ecological Services | 288.28 | 338.15 | 17.3% |
| Habitat Conservation | 72 | 82.71 | 14.9% |
| National Wildlife Refuge System | 527.04 | 602.33 | 14.3% |
| Conservation and Enforcement | 173.66 | 221.33 | 27.4% |
| Fish and Aquatic Conservation | 226.79 | 239.35 | 5.5% |
| Science Support | 33.78 | 37.90 | 12.2% |
FY 2024:
The US Fish and Wildlife Service budget is cut by 2.9%, to $1.72 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total USFWS | 1,773.29 | 2,088 | 1,340.02 | 1,722.67 | 1,722.67 | -2.9% |
| Ecological Services | 296.03 | 356.16 | 270.43 | 288.28 | 288.28 | -2.6% |
| Habitat Conservation | 74.22 | 83.37 | 64.83 | 72 | 72 | -3.0% |
| National Wildlife Refuge System | 541.56 | 597.89 | 487.40 | 527.04 | 527.04 | -2.7% |
| Conservation and Enforcement | 175.04 | 201.37 | 148.12 | 173.66 | 173.66 | -0.8% |
| Fish and Aquatic Conservation | 241.57 | 260.41 | 222.57 | 226.79 | 226.79 | -6.1% |
| Science Support | 35.37 | 38.37 | 30.30 | 33.78 | 33.78 | -4.5% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is funded at $1.8 million, sees an increase of almost 7.5%.
FY 2022:
Total funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sees a 4.2% increase in FY 2022, bringing its funding to $1.65 billion.
US Geological Survey
The US Geological Survey, a branch of DOI, plays a critical role in monitoring and assessing environmental challenges that threaten public safety and the health of our ecosystems. USGS conducts the science necessary to manage our nation’s biological, mineral, and energy resources, including research and monitoring of fish, wildlife, and vegetation.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over USGS: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests an 8.4% increase for the US Geological Survey, to $1.578 billion. This includes a 19% boost to funding for Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total USGS | 1,455.43 | 1,578.30 | 8.4% |
| Ecosystems | 299.38 | 326.13 | 8.9% |
| Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health | 101.09 | 120.33 | 19.0% |
| Natural Hazards | 198.64 | 210.64 | 6.0% |
| Water Resources | 288.77 | 309.55 | 7.2% |
| Core Science Systems | 273.22 | 313.02 | 14.6% |
| Science Support | 105 | 118.23 | 12.6% |
FY 2024:
In the FY 2024 enacted appropriations, the US Geological Survey receives $1.455 billion, a 2.8% decrease from the previous year.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total USGS | 1,497.18 | 1,786 | 1,347.46 | 1,455.43 | 1,455.43 | -2.8% |
| Ecosystems | 307.18 | 375.69 | 278.99 | 299.38 | 299.38 | -2.5% |
| Energy, Minerals, and Environmental Health | 104 | 147.01 | 102.34 | 101.09 | 101.09 | -2.8% |
| Natural Hazards | 200.26 | 219.83 | 179.74 | 198.64 | 198.64 | -0.8% |
| Water Resources | 304.43 | 302.74 | 285.38 | 288.77 | 288.77 | -5.1% |
| Core Science Systems | 284.61 | 348.80 | 264.61 | 273.22 | 273.22 | -4.0% |
| Science Support | 106.30 | 129.20 | 95.67 | 105 | 105 | -1.2% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
In the Interior Department, the US Geological Survey receives $1.497 billion, a 7.7% increase. This includes $307 million for the Ecosystems Mission Area, a 10.5% increase.
FY 2022:
In the Senate bill, the US Geological Survey receives $1.493 billion, a nearly 12% increase. This includes a 20% increase for the Ecosystems Mission Area to $326 million, $84 million for the Climate Adaptation Science Centers and $27 million for the Cooperative Research Units, a $2 million increase.
National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) within DOI is responsible for the management of the National Park System. NPS preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of 429 sites covering more than 85 million acres.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NPS: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests a 7% cut to National Park Service funding, reducing it to $3.09 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total NPS | 3,325.08 | 3,090.35 | -7.1% |
FY 2024:
The National Park Service receives $3.325 billion, a 4.3% cut from FY 2023.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total NPS | 3,475.25 | 3,761 | 2,654 | 3,325.08 | 3,325.08 | -4.3% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
Lawmakers allocated $3.475 billion to the National Park Service, a 6.44% increase.
FY 2022:
The National Park Service receives $3.26 billion, a 4.6% increase in funding.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), within the Department of Commerce, is a scientific agency that focuses on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere. NOAA conducts research that helps understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. The agency also works to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. Research conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration promotes habitat restoration efforts for our nation’s coasts and wetlands while simultaneously preserving biodiversity and conserving the scenic beauty for some of our nation’s most treasured areas. In addition, NOAA supports and coordinated educational activities to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean-related issues.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NOAA: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget request for FY 2025 allocates $6.56 billion to NOAA, a 3.8% increase in funding.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total NOAA | 6,319 | 6,560.98 | 3.8% |
| National Ocean Service | 684.00 | 590.67 | -13.6% |
| Navigation, Observations and Positioning | 183.70 | 207.66 | 13.0% |
| Coastal Science and Assessment | 115.5 | 106.12 | -8.1% |
| Ocean and Coastal Management and Services | 298.3 | 269.89 | -9.5% |
| National Marine Fisheries Service | 1,113.80 | 1,169.42 | 5.0% |
| Protected Resources Science and Management | 265.71 | 256.74 | -3.4% |
| Fisheries Science and Management | 709.91 | 714.15 | 0.6% |
| Habitat Conservation and Restoration | 56.18 | 50.72 | -9.7% |
| Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research | 726.05 | 645.73 | -11.1% |
| Climate Research | 224.15 | 212.47 | -5% |
| Weather & Air Chemistry Research | 162.17 | 139.49 | -14.0% |
| Ocean, Coastal, Great Lakes Research | 251.5 | 205.88 | -18% |
| National Sea Grant College Program | 80 | 72.39 | -10% |
| Ocean Exploration and Research | 46 | 25.32 | -45% |
| Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring | 52.5 | 52.87 | 0.7% |
| National Weather Service | 1,351.59 | 1,367.38 | 1.2% |
| National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service | 1,796.93 | 2,138.23 | 19.0% |
| Office of Marine and Aviation Operations | 439.68 | 533.56 | 21.4% |
FY 2024:
NOAA receives $6.319 billion for FY 2024, a 1.9% increase. The increase is not felt evenly across the agency, with cuts to some accounts (National Ocean Service is cut 1.4%, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research is cut 4.6%) and increases for others (e.g. the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service gets a 5.4% boost).
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total NOAA | 6,201.28 | 6,823.61 | 6,319 | 6,319 | 6,319 | 1.9% |
| National Ocean Service | 693.92 | 679.2 | 684 | 684 | 684 | -1.4% |
| Navigation, Observations and Positioning | 259.70 | 268.86 | 183.70 | 183.70 | 183.70 | -29.3% |
| Coastal Science and Assessment | 119 | 125.86 | 115.5 | 115.5 | 115.5 | -2.9% |
| Ocean and Coastal Management and Services | 300.93 | 284.52 | 298.3 | 298.3 | 298.3 | -0.9% |
| National Marine Fisheries Service | 1,093.35 | 1,220.52 | 1,113.80 | 1,113.80 | 1,113.80 | 1.9% |
| Protected Resources Science and Management | 261.22 | 256.81 | 265.71 | 265.71 | 265.71 | 1.7% |
| Fisheries Science and Management | 693.41 | 754.77 | 709.91 | 709.91 | 709.91 | 2.4% |
| Habitat Conservation and Restoration | 56.68 | 58.67 | 56.18 | 56.18 | 56.18 | -0.9% |
| Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research | 761.30 | 786.28 | 726.05 | 726.05 | 726.05 | -4.6% |
| Climate Research | 224.15 | 231.34 | 224.15 | 224.15 | 224.15 | 0% |
| Weather & Air Chemistry Research | 166.42 | 168.63 | 162.17 | 162.17 | 162.17 | -2.6% |
| Ocean, Coastal, Great Lakes Research | 251.5 | 255.28 | 251.5 | 251.5 | 251.5 | 0% |
| National Sea Grant College Program | 80 | 80.72 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 0% |
| Ocean Exploration and Research | 46 | 46.48 | 46 | 46 | 46 | 0% |
| Sustained Ocean Observations and Monitoring | 52.50 | 53.09 | 52.50 | 52.50 | 52.50 | 0.0% |
| National Weather Service | 1,356.74 | 1,380.09 | 1,351.59 | 1,351.59 | 1,351.59 | -0.4% |
| National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service | 1,705.66 | 2,073.93 | 1,796.93 | 1,796.93 | 1,796.93 | 5.4% |
| Office of Marine and Aviation Operations | 460.67 | 495.58 | 439.68 | 439.68 | 439.68 | -4.6% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
Appropriators increase the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget $6.2 billion, a nearly 5.5% increase. This includes a $761 million for NOAA research, a 17.5% increase and $80 million for the National Sea Grant College program, a 5% increase.
FY 2022:
Overall, President Biden requested $6.9 billion for NOAA, a $1.4 billion increase over FY 2021.
NOAA receives $6.276 billion, a 15.6% increase. Research programs at NOAA are funded at $730 million, an increase of $116 million or 19 percent above the fiscal year 2021 level. The National Sea Grant College Program receives a $15 million increase to $90 million.
Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal department in charge of farming, agriculture, forestry, and food. It aims to help farmers and ranchers, promote agricultural production, work to address hunger worldwide, and preserve the nation’s natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands. USDA is composed of 29 agencies, including the Forest Service and the Agricultural Research Service.
FY 2025: The president’s budget proposes $29.2 billion for the USDA, including almost $3.8 billion for USDA research, education and outreach.
FY 2024: The president’s budget requests $30.1 billion for the USDA, a 14% increase over the FY 2023 enacted level. It would allocate over $4 billion for USDA research, education and outreach, including $612 million for USDA’s core climate-related R&D activities.
In addition to the spending caps put in place by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, higher-than-anticipated need for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, aka food stamps) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program constrained federal funding for agriculture in FY 2024.
FY 2023: The president’s budget includes $24 million for the USDA climate hubs, which link USDA climate science and agricultural producers, and $4 billion for USDA’s research, education and outreach programs.
FY 2022: The president’s budget calls for $4 billion for USDA’s research, education, and outreach program.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), housed within USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), is the nation’s leading competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. AFRI grants are awarded for research, education, and extension to address challenges facing agricultural producers and systems.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over AFRI: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized AFRI at a full funding level of $700 million through FY 2023. In November 2023, Congress voted to extend the 2018 Farm Bill through FY 2024.
FY 2025:
The President’s budget proposes $475 million for AFRI, a 6.7% increase over FY 2024 but significantly lower than the previous year’s budget request of $550 million.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total NIFA (discretionary) | 1,678.75 | 1,731.68 | 3.2% |
| Research and Education Programs | 1,075.95 | 1,106.07 | 2.8% |
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) | 445.2 | 475 | 6.7% |
| Sustainable Agriculture Research, Education and Extension | 48 | 50 | 4.2% |
FY 2024:
NIFA is funded at $1.68 billion in FY 2024, a 1.3% cut from the previous year. AFRI saw its funding drop 2.2%, to $445.2 million.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total NIFA (discretionary) | 1,701.03 | 1,868.46 | 1,678.75 | 1,693.51 | 1,678.75 | -1.3% |
| Research and Education Programs | 1,094.12 | 1,215.10 | 1,075.95 | 1,084.6 | 1,075.95 | -1.7% |
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) | 455 | 550 | 445.2 | 455 | 445.2 | -2.2% |
| Sustainable Agriculture Research, Education and Extension | 50 | 60 | 48 | 50 | 48 | -4.0% |
* For FY 2024, the full House never passed a stand-alone agriculture appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Agriculture) on March 3, 2024, which the full House passed three days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
† On November 1, 2023, the Senate passed its own 3-bill “minibus” for FY 2024 that included Agriculture.
FY 2023:
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative receives $455 million, a 2.25% increase.
Agricultural Research Service
The Agricultural Research Service within USDA is the department’s principal research agency devoted to agricultural research and information.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over ARS: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
For FY 2025 the president’s budget requests a 3.3% cut in Agricultural Research Service funding, to $1.784 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total ARS (discretionary) | 1,845.23 | 1,783.92 | -3.3% |
| Salaries and Expenses | 1,788.06 | 1,755.51 | -1.8% |
FY 2024:
The Agricultural Research Service receives a 1.5% increase in funding for FY 2024, to $1.845 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total ARS (discretionary) | 1,818.58 | 2,009.47 | 1,845.23 | 1,881.75 | 1,845.23 | 1.5% |
| Salaries and Expenses | 1,744.28 | 1,938.30 | 1,788.06 | 1,792.88 | 1,788.06 | 2.5% |
* For FY 2024, the full House never passed a stand-alone agriculture appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Agriculture) on March 3, 2024, which the full House passed three days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
† On November 1, 2023, the Senate passed its own 3-bill “minibus” for FY 2024 that included Agriculture.
FY 2023:
The Agricultural Research Service is funded at $1.818 billion, a 3.27% increase. ARS’ salaries and expenses account receives $1.744 billion, a 6.78% increase.
FY 2022:
In FY 2022 the Agricultural Research Service gets a substantial 15% boost in funding (receiving $1.761 billion). Funding for ARS salaries and expenses sees a 9.5% increase.
US Forest Service
The US Forest Service, an agency within USDA, manages 154 national forests and 20 grasslands across the country and in Puerto Rico. The Forest Service has a dual-use mandate of ensuring the health, diversity, and productivity of the lands it manages as well as sustaining their productivity. Research is a significant component of the agency’s operations, with the research and development division working in a range of biological, physical, and social science fields to promote the sustainable management of national forests. Key areas of USFS work include managing invasive species, combatting pests and disease, and ensuring healthy fish and wildlife habitats.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over USFS: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget request for FY 2025 would cut overall US Forest Service spending by 4.3%, while increasing funding for Wildland Fire Management as well as Forest and Rangeland Research.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total USFS | 9,318.52 | 8,919.37 | -4.3% |
| Forest and Rangeland Research | 300 | 315.62 | 5.2% |
| Wildland Fire Management | 4,648.6 | 4,940.44 | 6.3% |
FY 2024:
The US Forest Service sees an overall reduction of 7.5%, due to substantial supplemental funding in FY 2023 that was not available in FY 2024 (see Congressional Research Service Report # IF12396). Regular congressional appropriations actually increased by nearly $1.5 billion in FY 2024, but this was not enough to offset the large losses in supplemental funding.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total USFS | 10,075 | 9,700 | 8,022.60 | 9,318.52 | 9,318.52 | -7.5% |
| Forest and Rangeland Research | 307.27 | 349 | 275 | 300 | 300 | -2.4% |
| Wildland Fire Management‡ | 4,738.0 | 2,970 | 4,452.96 | 4,648.6 | 4,648.6 | -1.9% |
* The House passed an Interior-Environment appropriations bill for FY 2024 on Nov 3, 2023.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
‡ Includes regular and supplemental funding from previous years, per Congressional Research Service Report # IF12396, as well as the wildfire adjustment budgetary mechanism.
FY 2023:
The US Forest Service’s budget for activities other than wildfire management is increased by $222 million. This includes $307.2 million for Forest and Rangeland Research, a 3.59% increase and $32.2 million for Forest Inventory and Analysis, a 45% increase.
FY 2022:
In the Senate bill, the US Forest Service receives $6.2 billion, a 15.8% increase. In addition, the agency’s research programs receive $315 million, a ten percent increase.
Senate Appropriators also reserve $8 million from the Forest Service for the Joint Fire Science Program and provide $8 million from the Interior Department. ESA has requested $16 million for the Joint Fire Science Program in recent years. In FY 2021, this program received only $3 million, all from the Interior Department.
Department of Energy
Office of Science: The Office of Science within the Department of Energy is the leading federal agency supporting scientific research for energy and the country’s largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. The Office of Science supports research in all 50 states and the District of Columbia by providing direct support both of scientific research and of the development, construction, and operation of open-access scientific user facilities. The Office of Science consists of six scientific program offices, of which Biological and Environmental Research is one.
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE): This office serves to support the development of clean, affordable, and secure energy. Its mission is to create and sustain American leadership in the transition to a global clean energy economy.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over DOE’s Office of Science and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Energy and Water Development (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s FY 2025 budget proposes increases of 4.2% and 11.8% for DOE’s Office of Science and Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, respectively.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Science | 8,240 | 8,583 | 4.2% |
| Biological and Environmental and Research | 900 | 945.23 | 5.0% |
| Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy | 3,460 | 3,869.35 | 11.8% |
FY 2024:
The President’s FY 2024 budget proposed a $700 million increase (8.6%) in funding for DOE’s Office of Science, but appropriations ultimately fell short of that level, increasing funding by just 1.4%. Funding for Biological and Environmental Research was cut by 1.0% in the final spending bill.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Science | 8,100 | 8,800.4 | 8,100 | 8,240 | 8,240 | 1.7% |
| Biological and Environmental and Research | 909 | 931.7 | 817 | 900 | 900 | -1.0% |
| Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy | 3,460 | 3,826 | 2,994 | 3,460 | 3,460 | 0% |
* On October 26, 2023, the House passed its version of the Energy-Water appropriations bill.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Energy-Water appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included energy) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
The Department of Energy Office of Science receives $8.1 billion, an 8% increase. This is in addition to $1.55 billion that the Office of Science received through the Inflation Reduction Act. Overall, the Department of Energy receives $46.1 billion, including a $260 million increase for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
FY 2022:
The Department of Energy Office of Science is funded at $7.4 billion, a $400 million increase over FY 2021 levels. The Office of Science reached record funding levels as directed by Congress during the Trump administration before receiving nearly flat funding in FY 2021.
Biden calls for creating an Advanced Research Projects Agency – Climate (ARPA-C), which would receive $1 billion in FY 2021. The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) would be funded at $700 million. ARPA-E funds high-risk, high-reward energy research and development projects that the private sector would not fund. The Trump administration repeatedly proposed eliminating ARPA-E in its budget requests.
Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency is a federal agency that exists to protect human health and the environment. The EPA writes regulations that implement environmental laws, sets and enforces environmental standards, educates the public about the environment, and works through partnerships to address environmental issues. In addition, nearly half of the agency’s budget goes to grants that support studies and projects at state environmental programs, non-profits, and educational institutions. The EPA’s Office of Research and Development conducts critical scientific research, studying environmental issues at laboratories across the country and developing ways to address environmental problems.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over EPA: Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies (Senate and House)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests a large 20% boost to EPA funding in FY 2025, an increase of over $1.8 billion. The budget request includes a 33% increase in allocations for Science and Technology, as well as a doubling in funding for Clean Air programs within Environmental Programs & Management.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total EPA | 9,158.89 | 10,993.65 | 20.0% |
| Science and Technology | 758.10 | 1,009.96 | 33.2% |
| Clean Air | 138.62 | 227.41 | 64.1% |
| Research: Air and Energy | 96 | 140.30 | 46.1% |
| Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources | 111.5 | 143.75 | 28.9% |
| Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities | 132.21 | 149.50 | 13.1% |
| Environmental Programs & Management | 3,178.03 | 4,406.99 | 38.7% |
| Clean Air | 299 | 604.06 | 102.0% |
| Geographic Programs | 681.73 | 681.8 | 0% |
| Great Lakes Restoration | 368 | 368 | 0% |
| Water: Ecosystems | 60.88 | 59.61 | -2.1% |
FY 2024:
The EPA receives a 9.6% funding cut in FY 2024, to $9.16 billion total. Most accounts see drops in funding; however, appropriations for Geographic Programs, which include Great Lakes Restoration, remain steady compared to FY 2023.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill† | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total EPA | 10,135 | 12,083.27 | 6,173.16 | 9,158.89 | 9,158.89 | -9.6% |
| Science and Technology | 802.28 | 967.84 | 560.71 | 758.10 | 758.10 | -5.5% |
| Clean Air | 144.55 | 220.99 | 138.62 | 138.62 | -4.1% | |
| Research: Air and Energy | 100.45 | 137.84 | 96 | 96 | -4.4% | |
| Research: Safe and Sustainable Water Resources | 116.14 | 123.56 | 111.5 | 111.5 | -4.0% | |
| Research: Sustainable and Healthy Communities | 137.86 | 146.6 | 132.21 | 132.21 | -4.1% | |
| Environmental Programs & Management | 3,286.33 | 4,491.01 | 2,428.96 | 3,178.03 | 3,178.03 | -3.3% |
| Clean Air | 311.80 | 694.68 | 210 | 299 | 299 | -4.1% |
| Geographic Programs | 681.73 | 682.05 | 651.23 | 681.73 | 681.73 | 0% |
| Great Lakes Restoration | 368 | 368.15 | 368 | 368 | 368 | 0% |
| Water: Ecosystems | 61.75 | 59.19 | 63 | 60.88 | 60.88 | -1.4% |
* On November 3, 2023, the House passed its version of the Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Note that this bill does not specify line-item funding levels within EPA’s Science and Technology account.
† For FY 2024, the full Senate never passed a stand-alone Interior-Environment appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included Interior-Environment) on March 3, 2024, which the full Senate passed five days later and was signed into law by the President on March 9, 2024.
FY 2023:
The Environmental Protection Agency’s topline budget is $10.13 billion, a 6% increase over FY 2022 levels. The EPA’s Science and Technology budget increases to $802.27 million, a nearly 7% increase. The EPA’s Geographic Programs budget, which funds the restoration of nationally significant bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay, is increased to $681.7 million, a $94.5 million increase.
FY 2022:
Biden requests $11.2 billion for the EPA, a 21.3% increase. This includes $936 million for a new Accelerating Environmental and Economic Justice initiative.
The EPA largely avoided the steep cuts proposed in President Trump’s budget requests. However, the agency did see sizable decreases in scientific personnel. The House Science Committee reported that the EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s workforce declined by 7.6% during the Trump administration and 17.2% between 2012 and 2019. Biden’s budget includes $110 million to restore EPA’s staff capacity.
The Senate bill provides $10.54 billion for EPA, a 14% increase over FY 2021. A summary of the bill from the Senate Appropriations Committee notes that this funding level will enable the restoration of nearly 1,000 staff lost in the past decade. A report from the House Science Committee released earlier this year found that the EPA’s workforce declined by 3.9% during the Trump Administration and 16.6% between FY 2009 and 2020. The EPA’s Science and Technology budget line receives a 10% increase to $803 million.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA’s Earth Science Division provides satellite data used to view and study the Earth and its dynamic system of diverse components: the oceans, atmosphere, continents, ice sheets and life. Ecologists and other scientists use NASA data to observe and track regional and global-scale changes, connecting causes to effects. Through its partnerships with other agencies that maintain forecasting and decision support systems, NASA helps to advance national capabilities to predict climate, weather, and natural hazards; manage resources, and inform the development of environmental policy.
Appropriations Subcommittee with jurisdiction over NASA appropriations: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (House and Senate)
FY 2025:
The President’s budget requests a 2% increase for NASA, including an 8.4% boost in funding for the Earth Science Division.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2024 Enacted | FY 2025 President's Budget Request | Change from FY 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA | 24,875 | 25,383.7 | 2.0% |
| Science | 7,334.2 | 7,565.7 | 3.2% |
| Earth Science | 2,195 | 2,378.7 | 8.4% |
FY 2024:
In FY 2024, NASA receives $24.875 billion. Despite a Science Mission Directorate funding cut of 5.9%, funding for the Earth Science Division remains steady at $2.195 billion.
| (numbers in millions) | FY 2023 Enacted | FY 2024 President's Budget Request | FY 2024 House Bill* | FY 2024 Senate Bill* | FY 2024 Enacted | Change from FY 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASA | 25,383.70 | 27,185 | 24,875 | 24,875 | 24,875 | -2.0% |
| Science | 7,795 | 8,260.8 | 7,334.2 | 7,334.2 | 7,334.2 | -5.9% |
| Earth Science | 2,195 | 2,472.8 | 2,195 | 2,195 | 2,195 | 0% |
* For FY 2024, neither the full House nor the full Senate passed a stand-alone CJS appropriations bill. Instead, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees both released a draft Consolidated Appropriations bill (a 6-bill “minibus” that included CJS) on March 3, 2024, which both chambers passed within days and the President signed into law on March 9, 2024. See the full text and explanatory statements in the Congressional Record Volume 170, Issue 39.
FY 2023:
Lawmakers allocate $7.8 billion to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. This includes $2.2 billion for the Earth Science Directorate, a 6% increase, which will allow the agency to address climate research priorities and launch new observations of earth, as recommended in the Earth Science decadal survey.
FY 2022:
President Biden requests $24.7 billion for NASA, a 6.3% increase. Following Biden’s calls for investment in climate and earth-facing science at NASA, the Earth Science Directorate receives $2.3 billion, a $250 million increase.
In the Senate bill, NASA Science is funded at $7.9 billion, including $2.2 billion is for Earth Science. This represents a 12 percent increase above the FY 2021 level to address climate research priorities, including new observations of Earth and its systems recommended by the Earth Science decadal survey.
Sources: An Ecologist’s Guidebook to Policy Engagement, AAAS Guide to the President’s Budget, AIP Federal Science Budget Tracker, Washington Post, Politico, websites and budget justifications of the following agencies: Environmental Protection Agency, National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, US Forest Service, USFWS, DOI, USGS, DOE Office of Science
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