Researchers fight to save environmental data erased from federal websites by Trump's administration
The Trump administration has swiftly deleted climate and environmental justice data from federal websites, prompting scientists and advocates to scramble to preserve critical resources.
Naveena Sadasivam reports for Grist.
In short:
- Within days of taking office, the Trump administration removed the Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool, which helped identify pollution-burdened communities. Scientists quickly rebuilt and rehosted it.
- Federal agencies erased data on environmental justice, climate change and public health, including information on energy assistance programs and the impact of pollution on marginalized communities.
- Researchers and advocacy groups, recalling similar efforts during Trump’s first term, are archiving key environmental and public health data to prevent further loss.
Key quote:
"Policymakers and the public and communities need good information to make the best policy decision, whatever that is."
— Carrie Jenks, executive director of the Environmental & Energy Law Program at Harvard University.
Why this matters:
Reliable data informs everything from crafting public health protections to enforcing environmental regulations. It highlights inequities in air and water quality, tracks the impacts of extreme weather events and guides resources toward those most in need. Policymakers, researchers and advocacy groups rely on this information to target interventions, ensuring that communities with fewer resources aren't left to bear the brunt of environmental degradation. Erasing such data not only obscures the scope of the problem but also weakens accountability for polluters and decision-makers.
