When the Trump administration dismantled a vital environmental justice tool within days of taking office, a dedicated team of data scientists and academics sprang into action. Prepared for this moment, they had compiled a list of 250 online resources expected to be removed during Trump’s tenure, with the Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool at the top. Swiftly, they recreated the tool using archived data and launched it on a new website just two days later.
In the following weeks, the Trump administration rapidly removed critical environmental and public health data from government websites. The U.S. Global Change Research Program halted the National Nature Assessment, a significant review of the nation’s biodiversity and its benefits to humanity. The executive branch altered websites to erase references to the disparities faced by women, people of color, and marginalized communities.
This wave of changes sparked concern among researchers and advocates who focus on addressing these inequities and climate change impacts. Eric Nost, an assistant professor at the University of Guelph, highlighted the dangers of erasing resources that acknowledge environmental and climate injustices. As part of the Environmental Data and Governance Initiative, Nost emphasized the crucial role of data technology in environmental policymaking.
### Data Scrubbing Amid Administration Policies
Trump’s executive orders to end government DEI programs and preferences and defend women from gender extremism triggered numerous alterations to federal websites. These actions aligned with rescinding a Clinton-era order requiring agencies to consider the impact of policies on poverty-stricken and minority-populated areas. Trump also nullified Biden’s Justice40 policy, aiming to ensure disadvantaged communities receive 40% of climate and energy benefits. Several resources, including the Climate & Economic Justice Screening Tool, were designed to support these objectives.
The Environmental Protection Agency removed pages highlighting African American employees and equity plans, while the CDC removed data on trans individuals, HIV, and environmental justice. The Department of Energy eliminated resources aiding individuals struggling with energy bills. These changes, beyond hindering public access to helpful information, also complicate effective governance. Carrie Jenks, from Harvard University’s Environmental & Energy Law Program, stressed the critical need for reliable data in policymaking to ensure informed decisions.
### Environmental Data Preservation Initiatives
The Environmental & Energy Law Program, along with various groups and organizations, has been monitoring the rollback of environmental rules and justice policies under the Trump administration. The Public Environmental Data Project, involving academics, archivists, and environmentalists, aims to preserve critical data. Initiatives like the Internet Archive and End of Term have been archiving federal websites to safeguard essential resources.
Urban Ocean Lab, a group assisting coastal communities in climate and ocean policy design, began archiving climate change research and data to prevent their loss from government websites. Recognizing the potential threats to valuable information, they created a Resource Hub to disseminate climate science efficiently. Alex Miller, an analyst at the lab, underscored the importance of maintaining these resources accessible to support informed decision-making.
### Ongoing Environmental Concerns
The Trump administration’s current actions mirror previous efforts that made a significant portion of the EPA’s website inaccessible during his first term. This time, they aim to exert tighter control over the National Climate Assessment compilation process and lower scientific standards. Despite these challenges, researchers and advocates remain determined to continue their critical work.
The recent shutdown of the National Nature Assessment by the Biden administration dealt another blow to environmental research efforts. Alessandro Rigolon, a researcher at the University of Utah, expressed pride and determination in completing the project despite the unexpected halt. Rigolon and his colleagues, committed to their cause, are exploring ways to continue their valuable work.
In the face of ongoing challenges and shifting policies, environmental data preservation remains a vital aspect of supporting informed decision-making and addressing climate change impacts. The commitment of dedicated researchers, advocates, and organizations to safeguard crucial resources underscores the resilience and determination of the environmental community in navigating these uncertain times.
