NCAR Information and Support

Background:

In December 2025, the White House announced plans to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).

In response, AMS released this rapid response in support of NCAR, stating “Losing this incredible resource would hurt the economic health of the nation and the safety of its people.” 

Daderot — Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0

On 8 January 2026, AMS led a group of scientific societies in developing this letter in support of NCAR, which we sent to President Trump and key members of his team. We also sent similar letters to all United States Senators.

On 23 January 2026, the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) requesting information and feedback on restructuring NCAR science and observing facilities.

The 2026 AMS Annual Meeting featured a breaking news Town Hall that focused heavily on the proposal to dismantle NCAR and provided an opportunity to hear community comments and concerns, and to discuss appropriate responses from AMS leadership. AMS leadership also met with key representatives of UCAR/NCAR and the broader community.

On 12 March 2026, AMS submitted a response to the National Science Foundation's Dear Colleague letter. The Executive Summary begins, "The breakup of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) will harm meteorological research and innovation in the United States with severe consequences to current and future efforts of the weather enterprise to protect life, property, and the nation’s economy." Read the full letter here.

What you can do: Express your views on NCAR to your elected representatives in Congress as part of your effort to advocate for science.

Additional resources of note: 

Templates for contacting the National Science Foundation and members of Congress are available on the AGU website, which may be useful for you to develop and express your own views.

Read community responses to the threatened breakup of NCAR on AMS Headlines: