The Trump administration is proposing a budget cut that would significantly impact climate and earth sciences, particularly affecting several Colorado-based labs and research institutes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s budget proposal includes closing four labs in Boulder, Colorado, and ending federal funding for two research institutes.
The budget plan would eliminate the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research within NOAA, as outlined in a document released recently. This move would result in the closure of labs such as the Chemical Sciences Laboratory, Global Monitoring Laboratory, Physical Sciences Laboratory, and Global Systems Laboratory in Boulder. These labs have been pivotal in various areas of research, including weather forecasting, air quality studies, greenhouse gas monitoring, and water availability research.
The proposed budget still requires approval from Congress and would take effect at the start of the 2026 fiscal year. The budget document emphasizes a shift in focus towards essential scientific observations and core operational needs, aiming to streamline NOAA’s activities and eliminate redundant programs.
In addition to lab closures, the budget proposal also includes cutting federal funding for cooperative institutes like the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University. These institutes collaborate with NOAA on a range of studies, from ocean mapping to wildfire forecasting and satellite technology research.
The potential loss of federal funding would have significant implications for these institutes, leading to layoffs and a diminished capacity to carry out research activities. While they could continue operating without federal support, the impact would be substantial.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay informed with Colorado Politics by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Spot.
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