As the New Year approaches, a quiet but devastating threat is unfolding inside the federal government. The Administration has announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), one of the world’s most important centers for weather and climate research. 

NCAR’s own leadership has been given no details, no plan, and no timeline. This is not transparency. It is deliberate destabilization of critical scientific infrastructure.

On December 16, White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought stated publicly that the National Science Foundation would be “breaking up” NCAR in Boulder, Colorado, with a so-called comprehensive review to determine which work might be moved elsewhere.

This is an emergency. Once NCAR is dismantled, the damage cannot easily be undone.

Why the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Matters 

NCAR’s work is not abstract or academic, and it is not a “U.S.-only” research center. It is part of the backbone of global weather prediction, climate science, aviation safety, food security, and disaster preparedness.

Dismantling it would make the world less safe, less prepared, and less informed at exactly the moment when global cooperation and scientific capacity are most needed.

NCAR:

• Runs advanced weather and climate models that predict severe storms, floods, heat waves, and wildfires
• Provides critical data used by farmers to plan crops and adapt to long-term climate patterns
• Supplies aviation weather modeling that helps airlines fly safely
• Supports businesses, utilities, emergency managers, and local governments making high-stakes decisions
• Advances foundational climate research that underpins U.S. scientific leadership worldwide

Breaking NCAR apart weakens forecasting accuracy, slows innovation, and puts lives and livelihoods at risk at a time when extreme weather is becoming more frequent, more expensive, and more dangerous.

Congress Can Still Stop This if We Act Now

Because of constituent pressure, members of Congress are already responding.

Lawmakers are working on language to protect NCAR in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations. Colorado representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO-02) and Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) are circulating a bipartisan, bicameral Dear Colleague letter urging Congress to preserve NCAR and its mission.

This momentum will only hold if Members of Congress continue to hear from us now, before decisions are finalized.

Take Action Now

Congress has the power to stop the dismantling of NCAR, but only if Members step up and act.

Call your Senators and U.S. House Representative and demand they support protecting NCAR and preserving its mission in the FY 2026 budget.

📞 U.S. Capitol Switchboard: +1 (202) 224-3121

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Call Script

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I’m a constituent who votes in [CITY/STATE].

I’m calling to urge [NAME] to support protecting the National Center for Atmospheric Research. The Administration has announced plans to dismantle NCAR, even though its weather and climate research is critical for public safety, agriculture, aviation, and disaster preparedness.

I ask that [NAME] sign the bipartisan Dear Colleague letter supporting NCAR and back strong appropriations language in Fiscal Year 2026 to preserve its mission. This research saves lives and supports communities across the country.

Thank you for your time.

(If leaving voicemail, please include your full U.S. voting address so your call is counted.)

Share with Your Community

Please share widely:

“The Administration plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a cornerstone of weather forecasting, climate science, and public safety. Congress can still stop this. Call your Senators and Representative and demand they protect NCAR.”

Resources

• BoulderReportingLab.org | Trump administration signals intent to dismantle NCAR in Boulder, but path forward remains unclear
• PBS News | Trump administration moves to dismantle national climate research lab in Colorado
• Sen Bennet Official Page | Bennet, Hickenlooper Hold Appropriations Package to Demand NCAR Funding
• Washington Post | Trump officials to dismantle ‘global mothership’ of climate forecasting