Judge blocks Trump administration’s targeting of climate research lab A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to transfer control of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s supercomputing center from its current operator, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), to the University of Wyoming. The judge cited irreparable harm to the facility due to potential ‘brain drain’ and criticized the administration’s decision-making process for lacking explanation and public feedback consideration. The ruling emphasizes the supercomputer’s critical role in national security, public safety, economic prosperity, and its impact on forecasting severe weather and supporting scientific research nationwide.

• 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.