Boulder Community Rallies to Save NCAR Research Center

Residents and leaders voice concerns over potential closure of world-class climate and weather research facility.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:34am

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The Boulder community is speaking out in force to oppose the potential closure of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a federally-funded research organization that is one of the world's leading climate and weather labs. Residents, local leaders, and former members of Congress have expressed alarm at the prospect of losing this critical scientific institution, which employs around 830 people whose work helps explain pressing environmental questions.

Why it matters

NCAR is seen as the backbone of Boulder's thriving weather and climate research economy, contributing hundreds of millions in economic activity. Its closure would be a major blow to the scientific community and the region's identity as a hub for environmental research and innovation.

The details

The Trump administration announced plans to dismantle NCAR nearly three months ago, prompting an outpouring of support from the Boulder community. Residents, local leaders, and former Congressman David Skaggs have urged decision-makers to reconsider, arguing that the costs of closing NCAR would be "enormous" compared to the benefits of keeping it open. The Boulder Chamber of Commerce has also warned that NCAR's closure could have a domino effect, impacting other data and research centers in the region.

  • The Trump administration announced plans to dismantle NCAR in late 2025.
  • Friday, March 14, 2026 was the deadline for the public to submit comments in support of NCAR.

The players

Jared Polis

The Governor of Colorado who set the deadline for public comments in support of NCAR.

Samuel Narvaez

A Boulder resident who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years and sees NCAR as an integral part of the community.

David Skaggs

A former Congressman for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District where NCAR is located, who has called the potential closure of NCAR "sheer idiocy".

Jonathan Singer

The senior director of policy programs for the Boulder Chamber of Commerce, who warned that NCAR's closure could have a domino effect on the region's data and research centers.

Joe Neguse

A Colorado Representative who has voiced support for keeping NCAR open.

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What they’re saying

“This part of Colorado really is the world's finest concentration of science in meteorology and climate science. So it's, it's a world class operation.”

— David Skaggs, Former Congressman for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District

“I would hope that they would do a cost benefit analysis of this crazy decision, in which case, it is pretty apparent to everybody that's thought about it that the costs of closing NCAR are enormous. The benefits of keeping it are enormous.”

— David Skaggs, Former Congressman for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District

“NCAR is the backbone of our weather economy, nationally and even internationally. So here in Boulder, this is $100 to multi-100-million dollar asset from everything from startups to the scientists that work there.”

— Jonathan Singer, Senior Director of Policy Programs, Boulder Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The National Science Foundation, which oversees NCAR, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the potential closure. Colorado Representative Joe Neguse has voiced support for keeping NCAR open, but it remains to be seen what actions will be taken by federal decision-makers.

The takeaway

The passionate response from the Boulder community underscores the vital role NCAR plays in the region's scientific ecosystem and identity. Losing this world-class climate and weather research center would be a major blow, both economically and to Boulder's reputation as a hub for environmental innovation and discovery.