"It was in 2002, during the George W. Bush administration, when NASA decided to put a satellite into orbit to track emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas pumped into the atmosphere through human activity. After many twists and turns, NASA's 23-year remit of charting greenhouse gas emissions could come to a close as soon as the end of this month."
"This year's federal budget runs out September 30, and although lawmakers from both parties have signaled they will reject most of Trump's cuts, it's far from certain that Congress will pass a budget for the next fiscal year before the looming deadline. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has directed NASA managers to make plans to close out the missions tagged for cancellation."
NASA launched a CO2-tracking satellite program in 2002 to monitor human-driven greenhouse gas emissions. The Trump administration's budget request seeks to terminate 41 of 124 science missions and zero funding for 17 others, cutting NASA spending by 25 percent and halving science funding. Two CO2-monitoring missions face termination despite more than $750 million spent on instruments; cancellation would save roughly $16 million per year. NASA managers have been directed to plan mission closures, and the White House may use pocket rescissions to withhold appropriated funds while that practice faces legal challenge. Congressional action remains uncertain before the September 30 deadline.
Read at Ars Technica
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