By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabamians are sending a clear message to Washington: don’t cut the science that keeps us safe.
A new poll conducted by Knowledge for a Competitive America (KCA) — in partnership with North Star Opinion Research and Global Strategy Group (GSG) — found that an overwhelming 81 percent of Alabama voters believe government funding for scientific research is essential to predicting extreme weather and protecting lives.
The survey, conducted between July 31 and August 7, 2025, asked 1,200 likely 2026 voters from Alabama, Kansas, and North Carolina how they felt about a hypothetical proposal to eliminate all federal funding for weather and climate research.
In Alabama, 63 percent of respondents opposed such cuts, while only 29 percent supported them. Opposition held firm even after participants were presented with arguments for and against the proposal — a strong sign that public support for climate and weather science runs deep across party lines.
Science, Safety, and the Economy
The poll’s findings come as the Trump administration continues to push for extreme reductions in budgets for the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — all vital to forecasting and disaster preparedness across the South.
Beyond public safety, 85 percent of Alabamians agreed that America’s global leadership and economic strength depend on continued federal investment in science and innovation.
“This survey reveals what many Americans already know — scientific research makes the U.S. more competitive, prosperous, and secure,” said Pamitha Weerasinghe, campaign director for KCA. “Despite today’s polarized politics, gutting these programs is deeply unpopular.”
Political Consequences
Nearly half of those surveyed — 48 percent — said they would view U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt less favorably if they voted for such cuts. Only 17 percent said their opinions would improve.
The takeaway? Alabamians may disagree on politics, but they agree on one thing: science saves lives — and defunding it would be a disaster.