The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its intention to reinstate critical climate change information recently removed from its website during the Trump administration, as stated in court filings on Monday. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit initiated in February by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, alongside environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group.
The deleted data comprised essential resources such as federal funding information, conservation efforts, and tools like the U.S. Forest Service's "Climate Risk Viewer," which illustrates potential climate change impacts on national forests and grasslands. Farmers have reported that access to this information is crucial for making informed decisions regarding climate-related risks, including heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
In a communication to Judge Margaret M. Garnett, U.S. attorney Jay Clayton confirmed that the USDA has commenced the restoration process and anticipates completion in approximately two weeks. The plaintiffs expressed relief that the USDA acknowledged the adverse effects of the data deletion on farmers and community resilience.
The lawsuit emphasized the significance of timely access to climate data for farmers, reinforcing the need for transparency and availability of information in facing increasing climate challenges.
With the USDA's commitment to restoring the resources, stakeholders are hopeful that the reinstatement will enhance farmers' ability to adapt to the evolving climate landscape and mitigate associated risks.
Karen Zraick covers legal affairs related to climate and environmental policies, providing insights into the ongoing legal dynamics within this vital sector.
The deleted data comprised essential resources such as federal funding information, conservation efforts, and tools like the U.S. Forest Service's "Climate Risk Viewer," which illustrates potential climate change impacts on national forests and grasslands. Farmers have reported that access to this information is crucial for making informed decisions regarding climate-related risks, including heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
In a communication to Judge Margaret M. Garnett, U.S. attorney Jay Clayton confirmed that the USDA has commenced the restoration process and anticipates completion in approximately two weeks. The plaintiffs expressed relief that the USDA acknowledged the adverse effects of the data deletion on farmers and community resilience.
The lawsuit emphasized the significance of timely access to climate data for farmers, reinforcing the need for transparency and availability of information in facing increasing climate challenges.
With the USDA's commitment to restoring the resources, stakeholders are hopeful that the reinstatement will enhance farmers' ability to adapt to the evolving climate landscape and mitigate associated risks.
Karen Zraick covers legal affairs related to climate and environmental policies, providing insights into the ongoing legal dynamics within this vital sector.
