American Farmers Sue USDA for Deleting Climate Data

American Farmers Sue USDA for Deleting Climate Data

American Farmers Sue USDA for Deletion of Climate Data from Government Websites

Organic farmers and environmental groups have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for removing climate change-related data, websites, and resources from its online platforms. The plaintiffs argue that this action hinders farmers' ability to plan and adapt to climate change, disrupts research efforts, and violates federal laws related to government transparency and agency action. The suit alleges that the USDA's actions were arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated, and seeks to compel the agency to restore the deleted information.

Key Themes and Ideas:

  1. Deletion of Climate Data and Resources:
  • The USDA, allegedly under the directive of Director of Digital Communications Peter Rhee, ordered staff to remove climate change-focused webpages, data sets, interactive tools, and funding information from its websites. The directive was issued on January 30, 2025.
  • The lawsuit claims that the department “acted swiftly to purge department websites of climate-change-focused webpages,” (Washington Post) leading to confusion and inaccessibility of resources for farmers and the public.
  • Examples cited include the removal of a Farm Service Agency webpage detailing how to apply for Climate-Smart Agriculture and Farm Loan Programs, and the Forest Service's deletion of an interactive map showing climate change vulnerability assessments.
  • The data was deemed by the plaintiffs to be useful to farmers for business planning. The lawsuit said that the department was hindering farmers from using the data to make “agricultural decisions” (Washington Post).
  1. Impact on Farmers and Researchers:
  • The deleted information is considered crucial for farmers facing climate change-related risks such as "heat waves, droughts, floods, extreme weather and wildfires" (New York Times).
  • The data removal makes it harder for climate researchers and advocates to do their jobs.
  • Wes Gillingham, president of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, stated, "Right now, because of climate change and because of what farmers are facing in terms of extreme weather events, we need every piece of available information we can get. We don’t have access to that, we’re not going to make it" (New York Times).
  1. Legal Arguments and Violations Alleged:
  • The plaintiffs allege violations of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The lawsuit claims that the USDA’s actions were "arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law" (New York Times).
  • The suit seeks a court order to declare the USDA's actions unlawful, compel the restoration of the deleted webpages, and prevent further deletions.
  1. Political Context and Motivations:
  • The lawsuit suggests the data removal is "part of a trend" under the Trump administration to dismantle climate protections and reverse federal policies aimed at fighting and measuring climate change (Washington Post).
  • The timing of the data deletion coincided with a freeze on funding promised by the USDA under climate and conservation programs, which had been set in motion by the Trump administration.
  • Gillingham states that "taking information down because of a 'political agenda about climate change' was senseless" (New York Times).

Episoder(208)

Deadlines Loom for FEMA Hurricane Disaster Assistance, Unemployment, and Appeals

Deadlines Loom for FEMA Hurricane Disaster Assistance, Unemployment, and Appeals

Meteorology Matters provides details onthe Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid available to Florida residents affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We explain how to apply for FEMA assistance and appeal denials, highlighting challenges faced by applicants. We also focus on DUA application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility requirements for individuals whose employment was impacted by the hurricanes. We go over supplemental information on DUA, including eligibility criteria, application methods, and appeal processes, emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines and providing necessary documentation. We aim to inform and guide individuals seeking aid after the hurricanes before time runs out!

25 Nov 202416min

What a Second Trump Term Means for Science

What a Second Trump Term Means for Science

People express concern over the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on US science policy. They highlight anxieties regarding potential budget cuts to scientific research, increased focus on research security potentially hindering international collaboration, and a diminished respect for scientific consensus in policy decisions, particularly concerning climate change and public health. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a key position is cited as a cause for alarm due to his controversial views on public health. Finally, there are discussions of proactive strategies for the scientific community to engage with the new administration and advocate for continued funding and the preservation of independent scientific agencies.

25 Nov 202416min

Climate Change Supercharged Hurricane Season 2024

Climate Change Supercharged Hurricane Season 2024

Meteorology Matters looks at how Climate change significantly intensified the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. Multiple reports, including one from Climate Central and a peer-reviewed study in Environmental Research: Climate, confirm that human-caused ocean warming increased the wind speeds of all eleven hurricanes. This resulted in seven hurricanes being upgraded to higher Saffir-Simpson categories and two tropical storms becoming hurricanes. The increased intensity led to substantial damage and economic losses, with climate change attributed to a significant portion of the damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. A separate analysis by a hurricane expert highlights the unusually active 2024 season, noting record-breaking ocean temperatures and the occurrence of three simultaneous hurricanes in October.

23 Nov 202418min

November Florida Hurricanes & Potential Sara

November Florida Hurricanes & Potential Sara

A potential tropical storm, dubbed Invest 99L, is forming in the Caribbean and has a high chance of developing into Tropical Storm Sara within the next few days.Multiple weather models are forecasting Sara to potentially become a hurricane and threaten Florida's Gulf Coast next week, although the track and intensity of the storm remain uncertain. MeteorologyMatters discusses the rarity of November hurricanes, with only three recorded landfalls in the US since 1850, but warn that warm water temperatures in the Atlantic basin are fueling an unusually active hurricane season.

13 Nov 202417min

Abortion and LGBTQ Community Cause Hurricanes?

Abortion and LGBTQ Community Cause Hurricanes?

Meteorology Matters addresses Tucker Carlson’s bizarre assertion that abortions cause hurricanes, dismissing scientific explanations for their increased frequency and intensity, and instead linking them to a supposed “human sacrifice.” We examine these claims through a scientific lens, presenting evidence that contradicts their religious justifications and highlights their potential harm in influencing public opinion on scientific and social issues. We look back at televangelist Pat Robertson’s claims over the years that he can control the weather and that God is punishing the U.S. for its increasing acceptance of homosexuality, specifically targeting Disney World and abortion supporters.

12 Nov 202420min

Biden Protecting Climate Protections from Donald Trump

Biden Protecting Climate Protections from Donald Trump

Meteorology Matters looks at the potential impact of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on science and environmental policy. Currently, the Biden administration is trying to solidify its environmental policies, such as those regarding greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle electrification, before Trump takes office. We examine the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s potential return to power and how it might influence scientific research, particularly concerning climate change, vaccine skepticism, and the role of government funding in science. There’s the potential for conflict between Trump’s agenda and the goals of the scientific community.

11 Nov 20248min

Climate Policy: Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump

Climate Policy: Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump

Meteorology Matters compares and contrasts the climate change policies of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. We explore their records on climate change, examining their stances on issues such as the Paris Agreement, renewable energy investment, electric vehicles, and fossil fuel projects. We look at the broader implications of their positions for the future of U.S. climate policy, highlighting their contrasting views on the urgency of climate action and their approaches to clean energy transitions. The candidates' foreign policy platforms, including their views on the war in the Middle East, the NATO alliance, climate change, trade with China, aid for Ukraine, and immigration. Delving into the potential impact of a Harris or Trump administration on climate and energy policy, we analyze the challenges and constraints they will face in implementing their agendas.

5 Nov 202423min

National Hurricane Center Monitoring Possible Development for November Tropical Systems

National Hurricane Center Monitoring Possible Development for November Tropical Systems

Meteorology Matters discusses the possibility of tropical development in the Atlantic basin during the final month of hurricane season. We look at three specific areas of interest: the southwestern Caribbean Sea, the northeastern Caribbean Sea and Greater Antilles, and the North Atlantic. We also emphasize the importance of monitoring these systems as their development and movement could potentially bring heavy rainfall and flooding to various regions.

2 Nov 202418min

Populært innen Vitenskap

fastlegen
tingenes-tilstand
rekommandert
jss
sinnsyn
rss-rekommandert
villmarksliv
rss-nysgjerrige-norge
tomprat-med-gunnar-tjomlid
forskningno
dekodet-2
rss-paradigmepodden
fremtid-pa-frys
fjellsportpodden
rss-overskuddsliv
doktor-fives-podcast
diagnose
abels-tarn
pod-britannia
vett-og-vitenskap-med-gaute-einevoll