USDA Reinstates Vital Climate Pages Following Lawsuit by Environmental Advocates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to bring back important climate-related content that had been taken down from its websites. This information is crucial for farmers and researchers who rely on it to make timely decisions about funding and policies linked to climate change.

This change comes after advocacy groups, including Earthjustice and the Knight First Amendment Institute, filed a lawsuit. They claimed the USDA unlawfully removed resources that helped farmers access conservation programs and prepare for changing weather conditions. Many of these tools were associated with longstanding programs, like those from the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

The removal of this content began shortly after President Donald Trump took office in January 2017. Emails obtained by ABC News indicated that USDA web managers were instructed to take down pages that discussed climate change. They categorized these pages based on how prominently climate was featured, with the most focused content being targeted first.

Sections from the NRCS and USFS websites, including useful tools like the Climate Risk Viewer—which helps evaluate environmental risks—were completely wiped out. The USDA’s announcement to restore the content came just before a court was set to hear an injunction motion regarding the lawsuit. Advocates quickly celebrated the outcome, calling it a win for transparency and the environment.

Anne Schechinger from the Environmental Working Group emphasized the importance of this restoration for farmers and the climate, pointing out that advocates play a vital role in ensuring government accountability.

Interestingly, agriculture contributes about 10% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the smallest share among major sectors identified by the Environmental Protection Agency. Yet, with extreme weather patterns becoming more common, farmers across the political spectrum are demanding science-based support.

The USDA has stated it will abide by federal transparency laws moving forward and expects to finish restoring the content within two weeks.

This situation exemplifies how public advocacy can influence shifts in policy. It highlights the ongoing need for reliable information, especially in times when climate change discussions are crucial for many in the agricultural sector.

For further reading on the USDA’s efforts and climate impacts on agriculture, you can check this resource from the USDA.

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