The Department of Energy sent an email to employees directing them to avoid language like “climate change.”
The email told employees at the Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to avoid words like "climate change" and "decarbonization.”
Professor Jonathan Overpeck is the Samuel A. Graham Dean at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability. A globally recognized climate scientist, he calls the directive a sign the current administration has been captured by the fossil fuel industry.
“It's unfortunate that our elected officials are choosing to deny something that the science really is unequivocal about, that climate change is real, and it's hurting Americans.”
Employees were warned to avoid terminology that misaligns with the Administration’s perspectives and priorities.
While Overpeck calls the directive unfortunate, he remains optimistic the country will eventually move away from fossil fuels.
“I'm saddened by what the U.S. Government is doing, but it doesn't make me that much less optimistic. That in the end also fuels our thing of the past, and it just takes a while to transition out of them. But even in the United States you're seeing that occur now.”
The directive applies to both internal and outside communications. It includes requests for information for federal funding, in addition to documentation about reports and briefings.
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