AGU Files New Lawsuit to Prevent Dismantling of U.S. Scientific Agencies

AGU has an important mission. Every day, we work to support and inspire a global community in advancing Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity and the environment.

We pursue this mission by supporting scientists throughout their careers, from the time they publish their first paper to the day they present the culmination of years of research at our Annual Meeting. AGU supports students and scientists with individualized career guidance, exploring non-traditional paths like community science, and learning how to advocate for science with policymakers.

Our mission has empowered our scientists to better understand the planet and create solutions to our greatest challenges for more than a century.

So it is immensely concerning how deeply the entire scientific community has been affected by the actions of the current U.S. Administration—actions that have debilitated scientific research and irreparably harmed the careers of countless scientists.

Defending AGU Members in the U.S. Courts

In February, the White House executed a mass termination of probationary employees throughout federal agencies, including thousands of our members. When our members reached out to us for help, AGU joined a lawsuit to fight these illegal actions.

Today, AGU initiated the next major action in support for our community. With a coalition of nonprofits, unions, and U.S. cities and counties, we have filed a new lawsuit over the Executive Order requiring the federal agencies to conduct “large-scale” reductions in force and reorganization. The order demands that agencies submit plans for radical shifts to their staffing and budget—plans that the White House intends to execute imminently. AGU’s role will involve illustrating the extensive ways in which scientists and the public will be irreparably harmed by the execution of the President’s order, in particular at NOAA, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Geological Survey.

The implications of such sweeping and illegal action for our members, the global scientific enterprise, and the public we serve through our mission are terrible to contemplate.

We will not wait to find out.

Standing Up for Science in the U.S. Congress

This judicial action builds upon our many methods of standing up for science. Since January, scientists have sent more than 3,800 emails and made more than 400 calls to congressional offices through the AGU Science Policy Action Center. In March, AGU brought members of our Local Science Partners cohort to the U.S. Capitol to speak directly with legislators about the importance of supporting science.

But more action is still needed. Sign up to receive Science Policy Alerts. And if you are able to travel to Washington, D.C., we invite you to come with AGU and speak to your representatives during our next Days of Action, 3-4 June 2025. Our expert science policy team will schedule the meetings and provide you with the tools you need. Come meet new colleagues and speak together for science—our science community needs your voice.

Thousands of you have already shared your stories with us illustrating the enormous value of federal science and the irreparable harm that has already been caused; they have informed every one of our conversations with policymakers, judges, and the public as we stand up for science. Keep updating us about how all these changes are affecting you and your work.

AGU Needs Your Strength and Your Support

We are facing an increasing assault on science. AGU depends on you—on our community—for strength in our efforts to defend science through litigation, advocacy, and our sustained work empowering scientists in their careers. Our vision of a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action will be made possible by you. Please consider supporting AGU today.