Boulder scientists, leaders emphasize importance of NOAA labs

A gathering of scientists, politicians, and members of the Boulder community took place over the weekend to discuss the importance of continued funding for federal research labs.

During the meeting, six panelists, including U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, came together to express their concerns about the proposed lack of research funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by the national government.

NOAA operates four scientific labs in Boulder. Earlier this year, several NOAA employees in Boulder were let go due to workforce reductions under President Donald Trump’s administration.

U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, representing Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, stated, “Over the last seven months, science and our federal laboratories nationwide have been under attack by this administration. The budget request is just the latest blow in that battle.”

The panelists raised concerns about the Trump administration’s proposal to provide zero federal funding to NOAA for the 2026 fiscal year, compared to the $219,824 allocated for climate research in the 2024 fiscal year.

“The United States’ scientific prowess is at risk with this budget proposal,” said Dan Powers, executive director of CO-LABS. “It is alarming, perilous, and incomprehensible that we would choose to defund essential research.”

The panel discussion attracted a crowd of over 100 to the Boulder Public Library’s Canyon Theater. One attendee displayed a sign declaring, “We love NOAA.”

John Tayer, president and CEO of the Boulder Chamber, emphasized NOAA’s significance in both the local and national economies. Tayer estimated that NOAA has a $114 million impact on the Boulder region.

“These are dollars that circulate in our local economy through spending on restaurants, retail, services, and housing,” Tayer explained. “NOAA’s employment provides jobs that we cannot afford to lose.”

The panel was moderated by former U.S. Rep. David Skaggs, who represented Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District from 1987 to 1999. Former NOAA employees on the panel highlighted how the research conducted at the Boulder labs enhances public safety.

“We anticipate more extreme weather events,” stated Sandy MacDonald, a 40-year NOAA veteran. “NOAA’s role is to safeguard the public.”

Robin Webb, who served as the director of NOAA’s Physical Sciences Laboratory for a decade, focused on research that improved flood, drought, and wildfire predictions.

“This is just a glimpse of the extensive research happening in this lab,” Webb noted.

Laura Riihimaki, a former employee of NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory, expressed concerns about the loss of expertise at NOAA following her dismissal in February.

“I believe these cuts will not save Americans money; they will end up costing Americans in the long run,” Riihimaki warned. “They will hinder NOAA’s ability to save lives.”