Lawsuit Alleges NCAR Changes Present ‘Direct Threat’ to U.S. Security

Key Takeaways

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research has sued federal agencies, claiming unlawful retaliation against NCAR’s restructuring.
The lawsuit alleges that dismantling NCAR threatens U.S. leadership in atmospheric research and public safety.
Officials argue NCAR’s closure would severely impact Colorado’s economy, given its role in national security and employment.

Lawsuit Over NCAR’s Future

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which oversees the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), has launched a legal battle against several federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, the lawsuit claims these agencies have violated constitutional and administrative procedures through “unlawful retaliation” related to NCAR’s restructuring.

The legal action arises in response to NSF’s recently announced review of NCAR’s critical weather science infrastructure. The lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration that the restructuring is unlawful and aims to stop any further damage to NCAR’s operations. It explicitly states, “The Agencies’ ultimate apparent goal is to destroy NCAR entirely.”

According to the lawsuit, dismantling NCAR poses a significant threat to national security, economic stability, and public health, jeopardizing the United States’ global standing in atmospheric research, weather prediction, and supercomputing technologies.

The NSF’s actions came on the heels of comments from the Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, who described NCAR as “one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country.” Following this, NSF sought public feedback on reshaping NCAR’s functions and solicited bids for management of its various components, which UCAR currently oversees.

The significance of NCAR’s work cannot be overstated. The center’s research supports critical areas such as hurricane forecasting, wildfire modeling, and other essential services that the Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy rely on.

Local officials and meteorologists responded to NSF’s January letter expressing concerns about plans to sell NCAR’s Mesa Lab in Boulder, emphasizing the center’s vital role. Boulder County Commissioners stated in a recent letter that NCAR serves as an economic engine for the region, providing jobs for over 800 individuals. They noted that closing NCAR would have dire economic consequences for Boulder County.

The lawsuit further alleges that the federal agencies involved are retaliating against Colorado and its institutions because of the state’s refusal to comply with demands from former President Donald Trump during his administration. This includes rejecting orders to stop mail-in voting and releasing a county clerk convicted for her role in an election fraud scheme. The lawsuit claims that UCAR and NCAR have become “collateral damage” in a broader political confrontation.

While the controversy unfolds, NSF maintains a policy of not commenting on ongoing legal matters. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly affect not only NCAR and its contributions to scientific research but also the broader implications for the state of Colorado and its economic health.

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