Ruth Merino

Page 2 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: constructive suggestions regarding how the already remarkable institutional efficiency and societal impact of NCAR could be further enhanced through increased (not decreased) federal support in the years to come. Please note: To ensure the highest level of technical rigor, this response focuses exclusively on the core atmospheric and natural hazard science topics within the author’s primary domain of expertise; for this reason, I have omitted a response to Topic 4 (Space Weather)." NCAR weather modeling and atmospheric observing capabilities a) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as a stand-alone activity. The proposed management of weather-related research as a stand-alone activity is a scientifically regressive path that ignores the fundamental physical reality of the Earth system. Modern atmospheric science has demonstrated (largely, it is worth noting, due to groundbreaking researc

Page 3 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: b) Management and operations of weather-related observational platforms, modeling and science as combined with other NSF investments/facilities. The highly specialized nature of the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) infrastructure represents an extraordinary value proposition that cannot be replicated by combining it with more generalized NSF programs. The NWSC is not a generic high-performance computing (HPC) facility; it is a laboratory uniquely optimized for atmospheric science workflows, with a hardware and storage architecture specifically designed to handle the massive, high-bandwidth data demands of Earth system modeling. Furthermore, its model of providing an excellent, free-at-point-of-use technical support team ensures that the focus remains on the science rather than the overhead of systems administration. This centralized expertise allows individual researchers, smaller labs, and even entire universities—who would otherwi

Page 4 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: NCAR Mesa Lab (located in Boulder, Colorado) a/b) Ownership of the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab building for public and private use. Far more than just an office building, NSF NCAR Mesa Lab is an iconic and purpose-built facility designed specifically for the study of atmospheric science. Its position at the physical interface of the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Great Plains is a deliberate reflection of its mission, serving as a visible symbol—in an iconically American setting—of the federal government's enduring commitment to science in service of society. For many in the field, including myself, the Mesa Lab holds singular importance as a focal gathering point for the global atmospheric science community. My own early career exposure to weather and Earth system modeling, in fact, occurred within these walls, and I have long felt that the facility’s architecture and location inspire a necessary sense of awe regarding the atmosphere’s complexity a

Page 1 of letter by Daniel Swain. It begins: Dear Acting Director Stone and the NSF NCAR restructuring team: I am writing to provide a formal response to the Request for Information (RFI) regarding the proposed restructuring of the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and its critical weather science infrastructure contained within the January 23, 2026 Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) entitled “NSF Intent to Restructure Critical Weather Infrastructure.” I submit these comments in my professional capacity as an atmospheric research scientist within the University of California, where my research focuses on the physics and dynamics of atmospheric processes related to extreme weather events and their role in shifting natural hazard and disaster risk. My perspective is informed by a public-sector career dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental atmospheric research and real-world application in an academic context, with a particular focus on understanding and mitigating

I just submitted my letter to NSF responding to its proposal to dismantle the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). I argue that doing so would be an astonishing and avoidable misstep, and that federal support for the institution should in fact be *increased.* [1/4]

The Electric Vehicle Tariff Boomerang If we want more EVs in the US, all we need to do is allow the world’s most popular EVs, which are made by Chinese brands, to compete directly in the US market. This is why I think a recent landmark…

Jim Sallee's EI blog today on how trump's misguided tariffs will bring inexpensive and impressive Chinese EV's to our neighbors. US auto policy only makes sense if climate change isn't real and EV tech progress will slow drastically. Pretty stupid bet.
energyathaas.wordpress.com/2026/03/02/t...

CNN will soon be controlled by David Ellison. If democracy is to survive, a vibrant independent media ecosystem is critical.

My ask: cancel your Paramount/Warner subscriptions and sign up for as many pro-democracy outlets as you are able.

You can start with Democracy Docket: bit.ly/4qmEiFz

Climate coverage is shrinking. We're expanding it. Announcing a new weekly video podcast!

the epidemic of men launching podcasts about nothing has gotten out of control

to combat this I am launching a podcast WITH A WOMAN (veteran climate journalist Tracy Wholf) to talk about stuff that actually matters (the planet being destroyed by the worst people alive)

Find subscribe links here:

U.S. power plant developers and operators plan to add 86GW of new utility-scale electric generating capacity to the US grid in 2026, a record if realized.
Solar power makes up 51% of the planned 2026 capacity additions, followed by battery storage at 28% and wind at 14%.
www.eia.gov/todayinenerg...

NJBPU Takes a Step Forward to Modernize the Utility Business Model with Release of RFQ Email from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program NJBPU Takes a Step Forward to Modernize the Utility Business Model with Release of RFQ   View as Webpage MEDIA CONTACT: Alonza Robertson, NJBPU Press Secre

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) wants a consultant to figure out how to drive down electricity costs for New Jersey customers.

Goal is to lower electricity bills and encourage load growth.

That’s not a contradiction.

It requires modernizing the utility business model

Here’s how 🧵

Jeff Bezos twists the knife The Washington Post editorial board is now cheerleading for President Trump's climate rollbacks.

First the Washington Post gutted its climate desk. Now its editorial board is cheerleading for Trump’s biggest and most dangerous climate rollback.

My latest for Climate-Colored Goggles: www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/jeff-bezos...

Self-promotion: Sign up for my reporting and commentary, and please support if you can: climatecoloredgoggles.com

#Mustwatch episode of Do You Even Care? Shout out to some of Esteban Gast's favorite climate journalists and news outlets: @sammyroth.bsky.social, @emorwee.bsky.social, @grist.org & @democracynow.org. And, thank you Anna Garcia for caring about the survival of every living thing on earth. 🌎💯

Let Me Count The Ways: EV Love Stories This Valentine’s Day, we’re spotlighting a collection of stories from our staff and members that broke up with gas and what they enjoy most about their pollution-free rides.

Showing our love for clean transportation on Valentine's Day. 🚗🚆🚲❤️ Our wonderful @sierraclub.org colleagues drive electric cars, zip around their neighborhoods on electric bikes, and take electric trains to get out of town. www.sierraclub.org/articles/202...

Newsom tells world leaders Trump's retreat on the environment will mean economic harm newsom speaks at global security conference

Gavin Newsom, to his credit, keeps defending California's climate achievements on the world stage: www.latimes.com/california/s... via @pwillon.bsky.social @hayleysmith.bsky.social

You may find this map shocking. The crazy imbalance even surprised me!
It’s the ratio of record highs vs record lows in each city since 2020. That’s right, in Miami there have been 115 daily record highs, but only 1 record morning low! Phoenix: 138 to 0!… 1/

Trump Administration Guts Clean Vehicle Standards and Wipes Out Longstanding Climate Finding WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Lee Zeldin will finalize a federal regulation that would obliterate the Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty,...

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the Trump administration is bulldozing forward with their proposal to repeal the #EndangermentFinding and roll back the clean vehicle standards. This will allow cars & trucks to spew destructive pollution for decades to come. www.sierraclub.org/press-releas...

Abolish Fossil Fuels A moral case for ending the age of coal, oil, and gas

From @sierraclub.org magazine @jasondovemark.bsky.social Fall 2024
If you want to abolish fossil fuels, make it obsolete. www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2024-... #renewableenergy #climatecrisis

Scientists thought they understood global warming. Then the past three years happened. The last 30 years are the fastest warming period since 1880, according to a Washington Post analysis of NASA data. By John Muyskens and Shannon Osaka

Excellent @washingtonpost.com piece on the signs that global warming is accelerating by @shannonosaka.bsky.social and @johnmuyskens.bsky.social, featuring @hausfath.bsky.social @rarohde.bsky.social @cjsmith.eu

www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...

Bad Bunny - El Apagón - Aquí Vive Gente (Video Oficial) | Un Verano Sin Ti YouTube video by Bad Bunny

Dropping the video/documentary for anyone curious: youtu.be/1TCX_Aqzoo4

Backup dancers pretend to fall from electrical poles

Next is "El Apagón" (the blackout) which I could write a whole thread about on its own

The song and its video (a mini documentary) are about a lot of things, including the problems with Puerto Rico's electrical grid, which have gotten worse since Hurricane Maria

A musician playing a guitar in sugarcane that is somehow in the middle of a football field

First shot: sugarcane

The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times

Still used to make rum of course!

If you listen at 100x speed, you get still get through this in time.

Today is what we trained for.

Clear Ears
Full Hearts
Can’t Lose

Bad Bunny 101

Ooookay here we go. Bad Bunny 101 condensed into six weeks of music, reading material, and perreo

Remember that under the first Trump administration, Puerto Rico had to suffer through the longest power blackout in U.S. history bsky.app/profile/cost...

thank you bad bunny for highlighting the importance of critical power distribution infrastructure bsky.app/profile/cost...

Thanks for posting @sammyroth.bsky.social. “After the layoffs, WaPost will have 5 writer/reporters left on its climate desk, by my sources’ count, & possibly a few other journalists.” (I subscribe to him) I’m keeping my subscription to read you. I’m interested in status of Bezos $10B Earth Fund.

Breaking: Washington Post gutting its climate team Clean energy dies in darkness. Courtesy of Jeff Bezos.

I don't say this often but: I'm so proud to be a climate and environment reporter. We cover an issue that is vitally important to humanity and the natural world. 14 of my climate colleagues at the Post were laid off today and I'm devastated.

www.climatecoloredgoggles.com/p/washington...

A Climate Change Guide for Kids (Published 2021) The future could be bad, or it could be better. You can help decide.

From 2021 by @1juliarosen.bsky.social Climate Change guide for kids

www.nytimes.com/interactive/...

Why a New Mexico Developer Quit Natural Gas

"Because his company did not have to install gas lines or arrange for gas inspections, it was able to bring the homes to market faster."

My take on the California governor's race Two candidates shined at last week's climate change forum. One flopped.

Hey California voters: If you care about clean air & water, healthy people, affordable utility bills, holding polluters accountable, & a having a Governor who will protect people over corporate profits, read this assessment of what your candidates say they will do for you.
@sammyroth.bsky.social

Cleaner cars standards are working. Do NOT roll back progress! Trump wants to to roll back the fuel economy standards that regulate how far our cars travel on a gallon of fuel. Take action to demand the current standards stay in place -- submit your comment befor...

The Trump admin has proposed rolling back the fuel economy standards that regulate how far cars travel on a gallon of fuel. This will cost drivers thousands of dollars more each year in gas and make cars more polluting. Demand that the current standards stay in place. sc.org/CleanCarStan...

I'm sorry, WHAT?👀

The DNI just happened by a FBI raid and jumped into the back of a truck full of seized ballots?