A consortium of universities has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colorado. The complaint, filed Monday, March 16, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Denver, challenges actions taken by federal agencies and officials and requests restoration of contracts and funding tied to the center.
The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), which manages NCAR on behalf of more than 100 member universities, is leading the legal effort. The organization argues that the proposed breakup violates federal law and describes the actions as “arbitrary and capricious.”
Details of the Federal Complaint
According to the filing, UCAR alleges that federal agencies have engaged in retaliatory actions against the State of Colorado and its institutions. The complaint states that these actions aim to coerce the state in response to its exercise of constitutional powers.
The lawsuit names several federal entities and officials as defendants, including the National Science Foundation, NOAA, the Department of Commerce, and the Office of Management and Budget, along with their respective leaders in official capacities.
UCAR also challenges specific measures, including the termination of cooperative agreements, the transfer of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, and the imposition of gag orders. The complaint states that these actions lack legitimate scientific justification and coincided with disputes between the administration and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
Background on the Proposed Changes
In December, Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced plans to break up NCAR. He stated that the National Science Foundation would conduct a comprehensive review and relocate certain activities, including weather research, to other entities or locations.
Earlier, an executive order issued by President Donald Trump addressed climate-related policies, stating that some state-level initiatives could impact national energy goals, economic conditions, and security.
In January 2026, the National Science Foundation issued a “Dear Colleague Letter” inviting proposals to restructure NCAR’s observational platforms, computing capabilities, and training programs. The letter also sought expressions of interest in potential ownership of the Mesa Laboratory for public or private use.
Role and Scope of NCAR Operations
The lawsuit describes NCAR as a leading center for atmospheric and climate research. Established in 1960 and operated by UCAR for the National Science Foundation, the facility provides research tools and data to scientists across the United States.
The center supports researchers at institutions that may not have access to advanced laboratory infrastructure. Its work includes storm prediction, climate pattern analysis, and forecasting tools used in various sectors, including aviation and agriculture.
A key component of NCAR’s operations is its supercomputing capability. The Wyoming Supercomputing Center in Cheyenne runs simulations that model hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and long-term climate trends. According to the complaint, the system supports approximately 1,500 researchers from more than 500 universities.
The data generated by these systems is also used by federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and NASA. The lawsuit states that NCAR employs nearly 1,400 individuals and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Colorado’s economy.
Current Status
UCAR is seeking judicial intervention to halt the dismantling process and maintain current funding and operational structures while the case proceeds. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine whether the proposed restructuring of NCAR moves forward.
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