The importance of NCAR: voices from science, congress and film

U.S. Congressional Representative Joe Neguse speaks at the rally to save NCAR, which is in his district, Dec. 20, 2025, Boulder, CO (KGNU / Don Davis).

The importance of NCAR: voices from science, congress and film Abby O'Brien

NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, is a trusted and esteemed scientific institution, and it’s in the heart of the Boulder community. Under the Trump administration, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget has announced plans to dismantle NCAR, citing it as a source of “climate alarmism.”

KGNU’s Abby O’Brien spoke to Congressman Joe Neguse, U.S. representative for Colorado’s 2nd congressional district, about his mission to advocate for NCAR in Washington, DC.

Then, KGNU’s Don Davis sat down with Emmy-award-winning filmmaker Lucian Read, who is currently crowdfunding a documentary about NCAR, to discuss NCAR’s important place in history.

This story aired on A Public Affair, KGNU’s weekday morning show featuring in-depth discussions on local news issues. Click here to listen to other episodes of A Public Affair.