Trump Administration Proposes to Dismantle Renowned Climate and Weather Research Center

Proposals include transferring a supercomputer, shifting a space weather lab, and selling the center's property in Colorado.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:06pm

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The Trump administration is reviewing proposals to break up the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), one of the world's leading climate and weather research laboratories. The plans include transferring NCAR's supercomputer to the University of Wyoming, shifting its space weather lab to a private company, and selling the center's property in Boulder, Colorado.

Why it matters

NCAR has been responsible for major scientific advances in understanding weather and climate. Its research is crucial for forecasting extreme weather events, supporting emergency planning, and studying climate change. Dismantling the center would weaken this vital research and leave officials and communities less prepared for natural disasters.

The details

The proposals come after the White House budget director called NCAR 'one of the largest sources of climate alarmism.' The center, which employs about 830 people, operates a powerful supercomputer and research aircraft used by scientists worldwide. Institutions like the University of Oklahoma and University of Wyoming have submitted bids to take over parts of NCAR's work, but critics say the process seems rushed and the public has not been given adequate opportunity to comment.

  • On December 2025, White House budget director Russell Vought criticized NCAR on social media.
  • Proposals from interested institutions are due to the National Science Foundation on March 13, 2026.
  • Public comments on NCAR's future are also due to the National Science Foundation on March 13, 2026.

The players

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

A renowned climate and weather research laboratory founded in 1960 and operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Russell Vought

The White House budget director who criticized NCAR as 'one of the largest sources of climate alarmism.'

University of Oklahoma

An institution that has submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation on how to best preserve NCAR's legacy and atmospheric science capabilities.

University of Wyoming

The university has begun negotiations with the National Science Foundation about taking over management of NCAR's powerful Derecho supercomputer.

Lynker

A private firm that provides space weather forecasts for the U.S. military and other federal agencies, and has submitted a proposal to take over management of NCAR's High Altitude Observatory.

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What they’re saying

“Breaking up the institution would have detrimental impacts. People evacuate more quickly and safely from fires because of NCAR.”

— Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado (New York Times)

“Our thinking here was that this is important and we need to save it. These are critical functions. If you are going to break them up, don't let them go. They need to be kept together.”

— Scott Rayder, Chief Executive of Lynker (New York Times)

“It feels rushed. I question whether the public comment period is of good faith.”

— Carlos Javier Martinez, Chief Climate Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists (New York Times)

What’s next

The National Science Foundation will review the proposals and public comments submitted by the March 13 deadline before making a final decision on the future of NCAR.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's push to dismantle NCAR, one of the world's leading climate and weather research centers, raises concerns about the politicization of science and the potential loss of critical research capabilities that support emergency planning, disaster response, and understanding of climate change.