Trump Administration to Dismantle Boulder’s National Center for Atmospheric Research
The Trump administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a significant research institution located in Boulder, Colorado. Established in 1960, NCAR has been a leader in climate and environmental research, employing nearly 1,000 individuals.
Details of the Announcement
Russ Vought, the budget chief under President Donald Trump, confirmed this decision via social media. He described NCAR as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” The National Science Foundation, which oversees NCAR, will conduct a comprehensive review to determine how to break up the institution.
Impact of the Decision
Vought noted that essential functions, particularly those related to weather research, will be transferred to other entities or locations. This announcement follows the administration’s earlier decision to cancel $109 million in transportation grants intended for environmentally focused projects in Colorado.
- Established: 1960
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Employees: Nearly 1,000
- Research Focus: Climate science, atmospheric studies, and natural disaster predictions
Reactions to the Decision
Democratic leaders in Colorado have expressed strong opposition to dismantling NCAR. U.S. Representative Joe Neguse labeled the decision as “deeply dangerous and blatantly retaliatory.” He emphasized that NCAR plays a vital role in the state’s economy and the nation’s climate science advancements.
Neguse’s statement highlighted that NCAR’s research is essential in delivering early warnings for natural disasters and improving understanding of Earth’s systems. He stated, “We intend to fight back against attempts to gut this cutting-edge research institution with every tool we have.”
Comments from State Officials
Governor Jared Polis also criticized the move, emphasizing that NCAR’s contributions extend beyond climate research. According to Polis, the institution provides essential data on severe weather events, which is crucial for saving lives and protecting property.
Polis pointed out that moving forward with these cuts would weaken the nation’s competitive edge in scientific discovery, especially against foreign adversaries.
What Lies Ahead
At this time, specific details regarding the timeline and method for dismantling NCAR have not been released. The implications of this decision remain a major concern for local and national leaders.
