When Washington Silences Science
April 25, 2026
40+
Federal Agencies Involved
contributed to the NNA before cancellation
9
U.S. Ecosystems Assessed
major biome types inventoried
−27%
NOAA/USGS Budget Cuts
proposed FY2027 vs FY2024 enacted
~1,300
Species at Risk
federally listed threatened or endangered
2
Years in Development
NNA research effort before cancellation
Policy
Science
Political
Suppression
Resistance
PolicyApr 2022Biden
+Biden EO 14072
PolicyJan 2023Biden
+NNA Executive Order Signed
ScienceJun 2023Biden
+Research Mobilization Begins
ScienceMar 2024Biden
+Draft Chapters Completed
PolicySep 2024Biden
+30x30 Progress Report
PoliticalJan 2025Trump
+Trump Inauguration
SuppressionFeb 2025Trump
+EPA Advisory Boards Disbanded
SuppressionMar 2025Trump
+NOAA Research Cuts Proposed
SuppressionApr 2025Trump
+NNA Officially Cancelled
ResistanceMay 2025Trump
+Scientists Announce Independent Publication
Key Questions
Data Sources
NOAA Budget Justifications · USGS Congressional Budget Requests · EPA Science Advisory Board records · Biden EO 14072 (2022) · Biden NNA EO (2023) · Nature.com & Science journal suppression case studies
Data sources
Biden Executive Order 14072 — Strengthening the Nation's Forests· White House / Federal RegisterNational Nature Assessment — Overview· U.S. Geological SurveyNOAA FY2025 Congressional Budget Justification· National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationUSGS FY2025 Budget Justification· U.S. Geological Survey / Department of the InteriorEPA Science Advisory Board — Member Roster & Status· U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyAmerica the Beautiful — 30x30 Progress Report 2024· U.S. Department of the InteriorFederal Scientists and Independent Publication: Legal and Ethical Dimensions· Federation of American ScientistsSuppression of the Surgeon General's Report on Youth Violence· The LancetNational Climate Assessment Vol. IV (2018)· U.S. Global Change Research ProgramIUCN Red List — United States Species Assessments· International Union for Conservation of Nature