Denver — Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to prevent the ownership transfer of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s (NCAR) Wyoming Supercomputing Center to a new operator:
“In a reckless and political attack, the Trump Administration has been trying to dismantle NCAR, the world’s premier institution for weather research. The work done at NCAR benefits all Americans, forming the backbone of weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, water planning, wildfire prevention, and aviation safety. I have fought these efforts every step of the way, blocking the Senate appropriations process to demand full funding for NCAR and working to defend the scientists and public servants whose work keeps our country safe and competitive.
“Today’s ruling is a critical step in the right direction for science, the hundreds of public servants at NCAR, public safety, and Colorado. The judge was clear: this was a politically motivated effort to undermine one of our nation’s most important scientific institutions, despite its central role in advancing weather forecasting, protecting communities, and fulfilling the National Science Foundation’s mission. I am glad to see the courts stand up to this President and his Administration, and I will continue fighting to protect this vital Colorado research center and defend the independence of American science.”
Bennet has consistently condemned the White House’s plans to dismantle NCAR since reports first surfaced. In March 2026, Bennet joined Senator John Hickenlooper and Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd to lead 80 of their colleagues in submitting a public comment opposing proposed structural changes to NCAR in Boulder. In January 2026, he spoke on the Senate floor on the need to protect funding for NCAR. Bennet also offered an amendment with Senator Hickenlooper and Democratic Whip Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) to maintain core NCAR funding. Unfortunately, Senate Republicans blocked the amendment, and the appropriations package passed without NCAR funding included. In December 2025, Bennet joined Senator Hickenlooper in holding up a Senate Appropriations Package to demand funding for NCAR.
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