One of the world’s leading climate research institutions – the National Center for Atmospheric Research, or NCAR – has been headquartered in Boulder since the 1950s. Scientists there research everything from hurricanes and wildfires to how changing climate patterns affect our communities. NCAR's Mesa Laboratory in Boulder employs around 800 people.

In December, the Trump administration ordered the National Science Foundation, which provides funding for NCAR, to explore how it might dismantle NCAR.

This has raised alarms for members of Colorado's congressional delegation, especially in light of the Trump administration's targeting of other climate research, including NOAA and the National Weather Service.

Colorado Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, whose district includes Boulder, is leading efforts to keep NCAR intact – and the scientists who work there in their jobs.

He joined Erin O’Toole to talk about his strategy to protect NCAR – and the political fight he says the Trump administration is picking with Colorado.

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Host and Producer: Erin O'Toole
Executive Producer: Brad Turner

Theme music by Robbie Reverb
Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions
In The NoCo is a production of KUNC News and Community Radio for Northern Colorado.