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

SEPTEMBER 28 2015: Businessman and presidential candidate Donald Trump held a press conference at Trump Tower to unveil his comprehensive tax reform plan.
Credit: andykatz/BigStock Photo ID: 103507385

Trump Administration sues California over tailpipe emissions limits

A lawsuit argues that the state’s regulations would illegally force a rapid transition to electric vehicles.
China renewable energy, wind and solar energy concept. Chinese flag superimposed with wind turbines and solar panels
Credit: Anton_Medvedev /BigStock Photo ID: 431444246

China may benefit from higher oil prices triggered by Iran war

Spiking oil prices may reveal how China has been more successful in electrifying its economy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels than the United States.
A missile being launched in the desert

The war with Iran is already about energy

The conflict in Iran is covered in oil with long-term environmental impacts.

"Balcony solar" — portable plug-in solar panel

Virginia to become second state that allows balcony solar

Residents of the state will soon be able to use the tech to lower their electricity bills. Gov. Spanberger has made affordability a top legislative priority.

Four wind turbines in a row standing in a flat brown field.

In rural West Texas, renewable energy brings a windfall for seniors

How officials in Crockett County are using wind investments to help older residents age in place.
Refinery and petrochemical industrial plant
Credit: Tee Theerapol/BigStock Photo ID: 60783539

Trump claims Indian investment will make long-standing plans for Brownsville refinery a reality

Plans for an oil refinery in Brownsville, Texas, stalled after a permit fight. Now the developer has rebranded as America First Refining.
Pair of red-capped, white-speckled, fungi

Long overlooked as crucial to life, fungi start to get their due

Fungi create soil, sequester vast amounts of carbon, and contribute $55 trillion to the global economy, but knowledge about them is scarce. Now, mycologists are pushing to get the international scientific community to recognize fungi on the same level as plants and animals.
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.