University group sues Trump administration over shutdown of climate center

A coalition governing the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the United States' leading atmospheric research facility, has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration. This lawsuit arises from the administration's proposal to dismantle the center, which is pivotal for interdisciplinary research on atmospheric science. NCAR has long been a hub for top academic researchers in atmospheric studies, facilitating collaborative efforts across various disciplines. However, the center's future has been jeopardized since the Office of Management and Budget's head criticized it as 'woke' and a significant contributor to climate alarmism, leading to calls for its dissolution. Despite the proposed plans for NCAR's dismemberment, which could affect everything from its computing capabilities to its main building, the governing body is standing firm. They allege that the move is motivated by President Trump's grievances toward Colorado and its governor. Located in Boulder, Colorado, NCAR plays a crucial role in a broad spectrum of scientific inquiries, including weather forecasting, climate change research, and the effects of space weather on the atmosphere. It operates with the support of two research aircraft and a supercomputing center dedicated to climate modeling. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a nonprofit organization representing over 130 educational institutions, oversees NCAR, managing its facilities and facilitating grant applications. This structure allows graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to leverage NCAR's resources for innovative research projects.