NASA Climate Research Lab Lease in NYC Canceled by Trump Administration
GISS employees moved to remote work as government reviews federal leases
The Trump administration has terminated the lease for NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York City, a facility focused on climate change research. According to reports from CNN and SpaceNews, the lease for GISS's office space at Columbia University will end on May 31, despite originally being scheduled to continue through August 2031. NASA currently pays $3.03 million annually for the Manhattan location, which houses researchers studying Earth sciences and climate data.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Director Makenzie Lystrup informed employees that the termination is part of the administration's ongoing reviews of government leases. GISS employees will be placed on temporary remote work arrangements while NASA evaluates options for a new location. GISS Director Gavin Schmidt stated that scientific work would continue despite the facility closure, emphasizing that research is conducted by people rather than buildings.
KEY POINTS
- •NYC climate lab lease terminated early
- •Staff moved to remote work status
- •Part of broader government lease review
The lease cancellation occurs amid broader changes at federal agencies, including reported reviews by the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk. DOGE has been involved in several recent NASA-related decisions, including changes to diversity programs and staffing reviews. Some politicians have expressed concerns about DOGE staffers' access to NASA systems and potential conflicts of interest given Musk's role at SpaceX, a NASA contractor.
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