Farmers and Environmental Groups Sue USDA Over Removal of Climate Change Data.
A legal battle has erupted as a coalition of farmers and environmental nonprofits filed a lawsuit accusing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of removing crucial climate change data from its websites. This move, they argue, jeopardizes farmers’ ability to make informed agricultural decisions and undermines climate research efforts.
Filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit names the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), along with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The groups accuse the USDA of unlawfully deleting “climate-related policies, guides, datasets, and resources” in direct violation of laws ensuring government transparency.
Impact on Farmers and Climate Researchers
The removal of this data has a significant impact on farmers who rely on these resources for agricultural decisions and funding. According to the lawsuit, the deleted resources are critical tools that help farmers navigate climate-smart agriculture initiatives, funding programs, and access essential information regarding climate change. Additionally, climate researchers and advocates now find it harder to perform their work.
“USDA should be working to protect our food system from droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather, not denying the public access to critical resources,” stated Jeffrey Stein, an attorney with Earthjustice, which filed the suit.
The USDA’s decision to remove this data is described as part of a broader trend of undermining climate change policies, particularly under the Trump administration. The lawsuit references the actions taken by the USDA during this period, noting that it coincides with an overall freeze on funding for programs aimed at supporting clean energy and sustainable farming.
A Pattern of Climate Change Data Removal
Examples cited in the suit include the Farm Service Agency’s removal of a webpage detailing how farmers could apply for climate-smart agriculture programs and farm loans. The Forest Service also took down an interactive map that allowed users to see federal assessments of climate change vulnerability.
The lawsuit claims that USDA’s actions created confusion and chaos, making vital resources for farmers and the public suddenly inaccessible without any prior warning or explanation.
On January 30, Peter Rhee, USDA’s Director of Digital Communications, instructed staff members to delete or archive any climate change-related content from the USDA websites within 24 hours. This swift move to purge materials, according to the lawsuit, violated the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Freedom of Information Act.
The Trump Administration’s Stance on Climate Change
The removal of climate change-related materials aligns with actions taken by the Trump administration, which often downplayed or rejected the existence of man-made climate change. President Trump has repeatedly referred to climate change as an “expensive hoax” and criticized environmental policies aimed at reducing emissions.
Wes Gillingham, board president of NOFA-NY, expressed his frustration with the situation: “Taking climate change information off websites, freezing funds, and laying off USDA workers that are helping to protect communities is ludicrous.”
The lawsuit also highlights the Trump administration‘s broader strategy of removing materials it deemed objectionable, including topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion, in addition to climate change.
Legal Action and What’s at Stake
The plaintiffs are calling for the court to declare the USDA’s actions unlawful and order the department to restore the deleted climate change-related content. The suit also requests that the USDA be prohibited from complying with the January 30 directive to remove any more such information.
This case underscores the importance of government transparency, especially when it comes to vital data that affects not only agricultural decisions but also the broader fight against climate change.
As farmers and environmental groups continue to advocate for better policies and access to resources, this lawsuit highlights a growing divide between those seeking to protect the environment and those who view climate change as an obstacle to their political and economic agendas.
What This Means for the Future of Farming and Climate Research
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it could signal a major victory for transparency and environmental protection in agriculture. Access to reliable, accurate data is crucial for farmers who face the increasingly urgent challenge of adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
As the lawsuit progresses, it will also draw attention to the role government agencies play in ensuring that climate change data is not only accessible but also actively used to inform decisions that can safeguard the future of agriculture in the U.S. With climate-related disruptions already taking a toll on farming communities, the need for accessible, reliable resources has never been greater.