1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose the Trump administration's plan to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado. Budget Director Russell Vought has announced the closing of this premier atmospheric science center, calling it "one of the largest sources of climate alarmism in the country." This decision threatens critical research infrastructure at a time when climate science is most needed. NCAR has been the birthplace of essential meteorological tools since its founding in 1960. The center developed the Madden-Julian Oscillation understanding that governs hurricane behavior, created wind shear detection products that prevent plane crashes during landing, and invented dropsondes that measure hurricane strength. These innovations protect lives and property across the country every day. The center employs over 800 scientists at the top of their field and operates unique facilities including specialized supercomputers and research aircraft that cannot be easily replicated. NCAR produces data used by climate scientists worldwide and trains the next generation of researchers. Breaking up this institution would be particularly damaging to our ability to understand climate threats at a moment when 2025 is tied for the second warmest year on record. Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci stated unequivocally that there is no politicized research coming from NCAR, emphasizing that "the atmosphere does not possess a voter registration card." Climate scientist Kim Cobb warned that Americans experience climate-fueled disasters causing billions of dollars in economic damage annually, and that once an institution like NCAR is broken, it will be very hard to put back together again. Weather and climate affect everyone, regardless of political affiliation. Communities across your district depend on the weather forecasting and climate research that NCAR enables. I ask you to publicly oppose this dismantling and work to preserve this essential scientific institution that protects American lives and economic interests.