Neguse demands probe into NCAR sale claims
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The National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder. Photo: RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is demanding an independent investigation into allegations that Trump administration officials sought to sell parts of Boulder's National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) to private interests.
Why it matters: If true, the alleged effort could sidestep federal law and undercut a public comment process that remains underway.
The latest: Neguse, a Boulder County Democrat, sent a letter Monday to the inspector general of the National Science Foundation (NSF) outlining "allegations of potential conflicts of interest and regulatory improprieties."
- Neguse said a whistleblower came forward and alleged that one or more people in the Office of Management and Budget agreed to sell components of NCAR's space weather program to a specific private, for-profit company.
- A source within the company, which was not named in the letter, reportedly also confirmed the whistleblower's information.
White House officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
Catch up quick: The NSF, which funds NCAR, sent a letter in January announcing it opened a public comment period as it explored dismantling the lab.
- That letter broached the idea of parts of NCAR being transferred to the private sector, but the comment period is not set to end until Friday.
- The letter followed a December social media post by Russ Vought, director of OMB, saying the NSF would be "breaking up" NCAR.
Between the lines: Neguse said in his letter that, in addition to discussions allegedly taking place before the comment period ended, he believes neither OMB nor the NSF has clear legal or statutory authority to unilaterally dissolve or sell federal programs.
- Neguse said the allegations, if true, indicate the NSF letter and comment period were "simply a political ploy" and that OMB had already determined it would sell NCAR's space weather program.
The big picture: Several members of Colorado's congressional delegation, including Neguse and U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, have been fighting to prevent the dismantling of NCAR, which they said was crucial to climate research.
- State officials have alleged Trump's attacks on NCAR and other Colorado labs are retribution for the state refusing to release Trump ally and former Mesa County clerk Tina Peters.