US Energy Department Bans Climate Crisis Language

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has reportedly issued a directive to employees within its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), instructing them to refrain from using specific terms related to the climate crisis. This move appears to be the latest in a series of efforts to curb discussion of environmental issues across the U.S. government.

An internal email, obtained by Politico, explicitly warned EERE staff about the new linguistic restrictions. “Please ensure that every member of your team is aware that this is the latest list of words to avoid – and continue to be conscientious about avoiding any terminology that you know to be misaligned with the Administration’s perspectives and priorities,” stated the message from an acting agency director. The directive applies to both internal communications and public-facing engagements for employees in the EERE, a division crucial for funding advancements in carbon-reduction technologies.

A New Lexicon for Energy Workers

The list of prohibited terms is extensive, targeting widely accepted scientific and policy language. Among the words employees are now instructed to avoid are “climate change,” “decarbonization,” “sustainable,” “emissions,” and “green.”

Prohibited Terminology

Further restrictions include phrases such as “energy transition,” “‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ energy,” and “carbon/CO2 ‘Footprint’.” Another set of terms related to financial incentives—”Tax breaks/tax credits/subsidies”—has also been flagged. This particular avoidance is likely linked to the current administration’s efforts to roll back initiatives, such as those championed by Joe Biden, that previously subsidized green technologies.

The implications of such a language ban are significant, according to agency insiders. An anonymous current staffer at the DOE expressed profound concern to The Guardian, stating, “Banning the use of these words would silence key elements of DOE’s mission.” The individual further highlighted more alarming allegations: “But what is even more worrying is that Secretary Wright is also illegally freezing and cancelling programs that fund advanced research into solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies.” The staffer concluded with a stark warning, emphasizing that ignoring the issue would not make the problem disappear: “DOE leadership can choose to stick their heads in the sand, but that won’t make the climate crisis go away or stop super storms and wildfires from destroying more homes.”

Broader Administrative Context

This latest directive from the Department of Energy aligns with a broader pattern observed under the Trump administration. Earlier this year, agency leaders were reportedly asked to avoid approximately 200 terms, a list that also encompassed words like “activism” and “injustice.” Such policies have drawn criticism from various sectors, including the scientific community.

Dr. Ali Khan, a retired U.S. assistant surgeon general and former director, sharply criticized the environment fostered by such directives, characterizing it as an embrace of misinformation. “Welcome to the Donald Trump post-truth world,” Dr. Khan remarked, underscoring the perceived shift away from evidence-based discourse within federal institutions.

The move by the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy has ignited a debate over scientific integrity, governmental transparency, and the potential chilling effect on federal employees tasked with addressing critical environmental challenges. Critics argue that restricting language not only hinders effective communication but also undermines the core mission of an agency dedicated to advancing energy solutions for a sustainable future.

Source: The Guardian