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Take Action: Stop NSF From Dismantling Climate Research

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Background

The Trump Administration is trying to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) – the leading weather and climate research institution in the US.

For decades, NCAR has been a vital center for weather, water, and climate research, producing some of the biggest scientific advances in our understanding of weather and climate, thanks to its state-of-the-art resources, computer models, and data sets.

As climate change fuels more costly and deadly heat, storms, and fires from coast to coast, NCAR’s role in helping Americans understand and prepare for climate disasters becomes even more critical.

But in December 2025, the Trump Administration announced plans to dismantle NCAR. This move would not only undermine American leadership in science, but also make Americans less safe by jeopardizing accurate weather forecasting and prediction systems.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), which oversees NCAR, has since published a “Dear Colleague Letter” stating its intent to restructure critical weather science infrastructure, effectively taking a major step toward dismantling the center. NSF is accepting responses to the letter through March 13, 2026.

No matter its politics, the Trump Administration has a duty to protect Americans from climate threats. Join us in telling NSF to preserve NCAR and protect its invaluable role in weather and climate research. 

Our Opportunity

NSF is requesting responses to the letter from the scientific community. This means members of the public may send individual responses supporting or opposing NSF’s restructure and offering data to support their arguments.

This is where you come in. Our goal now is to provide NSF with as many thoughtful and unique responses opposing the restructuring as possible, ensuring the agency must spend the time necessary to consider all angles and address every point in its final decision.

Responses must be sent on or before March 13, 2026 by emailing [email protected] directly: 

https://www.nsf.gov/funding/information/dcl-nsf-intent-restructure-critical-weather-infrastructure

Developing Your Own Response

We invite your own unique insight and expertise to expand the arguments opposing the dismantling beyond this core misunderstanding. Some areas you might consider include:

  • How are extreme weather disasters impacting my community?
  • What does dismantling mean for disaster preparedness in my hometown, city, or state? For example, how important is having accurate projections of weather and climate events in determining how to prepare for and respond to them?
  • What economic harm does dismantling the agency bring to my community? Can this be quantified in jobs or dollars?

 

Many other possible angles exist and the more data-supported arguments that are made, the better. The agency is looking for feedback from the scientific community in particular, so be sure to share any expertise.

The climate community has developed numerous research reports and tools that provide helpful data and can be tailored to your community. These include: 

Making Your Comment Count

Both the federal government and partner organizations have developed resources on how to create an effective comment. While this is not a “public comment” such as when agencies like EPA issue new rules, we invite you to read through the below resources before developing your response to help you make the most of this critical opportunity.

  1. Environmental Data and Governance Initiative

Guides for Understanding the Public Comment Process

  1. National Resources Defense Council

How to Make an Effective Public Comment

  1. Sierra Club

Public Comments: How to Make Yours Count

  1. Regulations.gov

How You Can Effectively Participate in the Regulatory Process Through Public Comment

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT