Judge blocks Trump administration's targeting of climate research lab
A federal judge on Monday blocked the Trump administration from transferring control of a major federal supercomputing center in Colorado from the National Center for Atmospheric Research to the University of Wyoming, handing a victory to the consortium that manages the facility.
TL;DR
- A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to transfer control of the NCAR supercomputing center in Colorado.
- The center is currently operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), a consortium of 129 universities.
- The administration's plan aimed to transfer stewardship to the University of Wyoming, citing "climate alarmism."
- The judge granted a preliminary injunction, citing potential "brain drain" of essential personnel and the facility's operational stability.
- The ruling also criticized the National Science Foundation's decision-making process for lacking explanation and public input.
- The supercomputer is vital for forecasting severe weather, supporting scientific research, national security, public safety, and economic operations.
- UCAR welcomed the ruling, stating the disruption would jeopardize services supporting agriculture, military operations, aviation safety, and more.
- UCAR alleged the administration's actions were politically motivated, possibly as retaliation against Colorado.