The Trump administration is preparing to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, targeting one of the world's leading climate and weather research facilities. Proposals include transferring a supercomputer to the University of Wyoming and shifting the space weather lab to private companies. The move follows months of scrutiny from the White House, with budget director Russell Vought calling NCAR "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism."

Founded in 1960, NCAR has been responsible for major advances in weather and climate science, operating sophisticated computer models and research aircraft used globally for forecasting. Scientists warn that breaking up the center would severely weaken research on atmospheric phenomena, space weather, and climate change, leaving emergency officials less prepared for extreme weather events. The center employs about 830 people under the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Colorado officials are fighting to preserve NCAR, warning of devastating economic and scientific impacts. Governor Jared Polis emphasized that NCAR data helps people evacuate safely from fires and improves severe weather forecasting. Representative Joe Neguse has raised concerns about improper transfers of public assets to private companies and requested an inspector general review of the process. The future of NCAR's iconic Mesa Laboratory, designed by I.M. Pei, also remains uncertain as proposals are due to the National Science Foundation.