Trump administration removes climate information from federal websites

The Trump administration has begun deleting climate science information from federal websites, raising concerns among scientists and watchdog groups about restricted access to critical data.

Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • The White House, NASA and the State Department have removed or altered climate-related content from their websites, making it harder to access scientific reports.
  • A federal research scientist lost funding for a project on air pollution after the State Department issued stop-work orders.
  • Watchdog groups fear further suppression of scientific data and interference with research under Trump's policies.

Key quote:

“When you sideline science, it can cost lives and I think we are seeing that with the gag order on health agencies.”

— Darya Minovi, senior analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists Center for Science and Democracy

Why this matters:

When climate science is removed or buried from public view, the consequences reach far beyond a single country’s borders. Transparency is undermined, making it harder for researchers to verify data or build on previous findings. The loss of easily accessible climate information can also weaken international collaboration, as scientists across the globe rely on U.S. government agencies like NASA, NOAA and the EPA to share critical data on rising temperatures, extreme weather and carbon emissions.

Related: EPA staff brace for potential departures amid Trump’s return

Red and white tanker with "LNG" printed on the side.

Stung by Iran war, countries are turning against U.S. fossil fuels

As economies in Asia and Europe reel from the energy disruption, leaders make plans to permanently replace imported oil and gas with homegrown energy.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sign at the headquarters building in Washington, DC.
Credit: marcnorman/BigStock Photo ID: 21123533

EPA sets ‘no surprises’ science policy, reassigns researchers

Staff expressed frustration with how the transfers are being handled and perceive them as yet another measure to traumatize the workforce.
Coal mining operation featuring yellow rock trucks and excavators as well as one orange excavator in the center.

As Trump boosts coal, opponents warn of higher costs and more pollution

The Trump administration is using emergency powers and subsidies to keep U.S. coal plants running. Market analysts believe no coal plant closures are likely during President Donald Trump's term.
A large crane digging earth

Federal delay of silica dust rule leaves coal miners at risk of black lung

Federal regulators have indefinitely postponed a rule designed to limit coal miners’ exposure to harmful silica dust, citing ongoing litigation.

Wind turbines in a row against a blue sky

There’s hope for the offshore wind industry — yes, really

Trump’s court losses give the wind industry a chance to get back on stable footing.

Offshore wind turbines with a sailboat in the foreground

California’s ambitious floating offshore wind plan faces engineering hurdles and local opposition

California plans to transform Humboldt Bay into a hub for floating offshore wind power to help reach its 100% clean energy goal by 2045.

Blue-jean clad worker in heavy coat and gloves welding pipeline

Is the Keystone XL pipeline back?

A company has proposed to build a crude oil pipeline crossing the Canadian border near where the long-contested project would have entered the United States.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.