Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
USDA to Restore Climate Change Information After Lawsuit
Following a lawsuit initiated by farmers, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed to reinstating climate change information on its websites. This data had been removed shortly after President Donald Trump assumed office. The restoration of these resources is a significant win for agricultural stakeholders who rely on accurate climate data for informed decision-making.
Legal Action Prompted Reversal
In a recent filing, the Department of Justice, representing the USDA, stated that the agency “will restore the climate-change-related web content that was removed post-inauguration, including all USDA webpages and interactive tools” specified in the plaintiffs’ complaint. The agency indicated that this process is already “underway” and is expected to be largely completed within approximately two weeks.
Farmers Celebrate the Return of Vital Resources
Marcie Craig, executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, expressed her satisfaction with the resolution. “Farmers have been so affected by the actions of this administration, that it feels good to be able to say, we have something for you. This is back. You can rely on these resources,” she stated. “We’re ecstatic.”
Key Resources to be Reinstated
Among the resources that were previously taken down is the “Climate Risk Viewer,” an online tool that illustrated the potential impacts of climate change on rivers and watersheds, and the consequent effects on future water supplies.
Legal Representatives Emphasize Accountability
Jeffrey Stein, an associate attorney with Earthjustice, the legal organization representing the plaintiffs, commented on the USDA’s decision. “We’re really glad that USDA recognized that this unlawful removal is harming farmers, researchers and advocates across the country, and we’re ready to ensure that USDA follows through on this promise,” Stein told The Verge.
Legal Basis for the Complaint
The original lawsuit alleged that the USDA had infringed upon several laws, including:
- The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which guarantees public access to federal agency records.
- The Paperwork Reduction Act, which mandates adequate notice before altering access to information.
- The Administrative Procedure Act, which governs the procedures federal agencies must follow when developing regulations.
Looking Ahead: Continued Advocacy
Craig emphasized the broader context of the victory, noting, “This has been one of so many cuts…This [legal victory] was good … then, of course, after the initial feeling, you sit back, you take a breath, and you say, ‘and we still have a whole lot of work to do.’”