By Peter.
The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado—a premier federally funded institution for Earth system science, weather forecasting, and climate modeling.
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought posted on X: “The National Science Foundation will be breaking up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. This facility is one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country. A comprehensive review is underway & any vital activities such as weather research will be moved to another entity or location.”
The move targets what the administration calls “Green New Scam” activities, while pledging to relocate essential functions like severe weather prediction. Details remain unclear, including timelines, new locations, or impacts on NCAR’s ~830 staff, supercomputing facilities (including in Wyoming), or research aircraft.
NCAR, established in 1960 and managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), supports thousands of scientists nationwide with advanced tools for hurricane tracking, wildfire prediction, flood warnings, aviation safety, and national security applications.
Reactions:
- UCAR President Antonio Busalacchi stated the organization has “no information” on the plan but looks forward to collaborating on national safety priorities.
- Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) called it an “attack on science” risking lives and U.S. competitiveness.
- Democrats like Rep. Joe Neguse vowed legal challenges, labeling it “reckless” and retaliatory.
- Scientists and former officials warned of setbacks to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, noting climate and weather research are intertwined.
- A White House official suggested the decision ties partly to tensions with Polis.
This fits broader administration efforts to reduce federal climate-related spending, amid President Trump’s longstanding dismissal of climate change as a “hoax.” The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred in the past decade (NOAA data).
#NCAR #TrumpAdministration #ClimateResearch #RussellVought #BoulderColorado #SciencePolicy #WeatherForecasting #ClimateAlarmism
