Department of Energy Restricts Use of 'Climate Change' and Related Terms

What's Happening?

The Department of Energy has instructed its employees to avoid using terms such as 'climate change,' 'green,' and 'sustainable' in their work, according to an internal email obtained by NPR. This directive affects the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which funds research on clean energy technologies. The department denies issuing such a directive, stating that there is no official policy restricting these terms. However, the email advises employees to avoid these words in all work-related documents, including public reports and federal funding opportunities. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to limit access to information about climate change.

Why It's Important?

The restriction on using terms related to climate change could have significant implications for federal research and policy development in the energy sector. By limiting the language used in official communications, the administration may be attempting to downplay the importance of climate change and its impact on energy policy. This could hinder efforts to address environmental challenges and transition to renewable energy sources. The directive has raised concerns among scientists and environmental advocates about the administration's commitment to transparency and evidence-based policy-making.

Beyond the Headlines

The directive reflects a broader trend of the Trump administration's approach to climate science and environmental policy. By restricting language, the administration may be seeking to influence public perception and policy priorities. This move could also impact international collaborations and the U.S.'s role in global climate initiatives. The restriction on language may lead to self-censorship among federal employees, affecting the quality and scope of research and policy recommendations.