Dec. 19 Policy Watch: White House targets climate research center

White House plans to dismantle world-class atmospheric research center The Donald J. Trump administration will be dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), a renowned institution that focuses on climate change, atmospheric chemistry, and meteorological phenomena, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced Dec. 16. The plan was originally reported by USA Today and subsequently verified on the social media site X by Vought. The National Science Foundation (NSF), which is the primary sponsor of the center and provides about half of its total budget, later confirmed that it is reviewing the research performed at NCAR. It also says that as part of that process it will be engaging with the research community “to solicit feedback for rescoping the functions of the work currently performed by NCAR.” Many were blindsided by the announcement, including Gov. Jared Polis (D) of Colorado, where NCAR is based, who says in a statement that the state has “yet to receive information about the Trump administration's intentions.” Antonio Busalacchi, president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which manages NCAR, suggests in a separate statement that the center itself has also been left in the dark. Established in 1960 by the NSF, NCAR was originally created to provide Earth scientists with specialized instrumentation, atmospheric models, datasets, and research aircraft—resources that would be difficult to access otherwise. It continues that original mission while spearheading its own advancements, particularly with regard to weather prediction and climate research. “The laboratory's research is essential for deepening our understanding of natural disasters and improving our weather prediction capabilities,” says Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. “At a time when natural disasters are on the rise, the last thing we should be doing is slashing our own ability to better understand the weather.” NCAR is also a major player in climate research, which appears to be one of the reasons it has become the latest target of