Groups sue Trump agencies for using 'secret' report to reverse core of US climate rules
The Environmental Defence Fund and the Union of Concerned Scientists filed the lawsuit in a federal-district court in Massachusetts, arguing that the so-called Climate Working Group that energy secretary Chris Wright put together, evaded public view, delivered erroneous results and was illegally used to inform the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to reverse the scientific finding that served as the foundation for federal climate regulation.
The lawsuit names Wright and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin as defendants. Both were not immediately available for comment.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The preparation and use of the report has raised concern that the US is rejecting the mainstream consensus about the causes and impacts of climate change at a time when more severe storms and record-breaking temperatures cause trillions of dollars in damage around the country. Downplaying the impacts of climate change and eliminating US climate data collection and reports also takes away the urgency for the US to shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy.
KEY CONTEXT
Through the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Congress requires public disclosure and public records in the establishment and operation of any federal advisory committee.
KEY QUOTE
'Decades of rigorous scientific analysis shows burning fossil fuels is unequivocally contributing to deadly heatwaves, accelerating sea level rise, worsening wildfires and floods, increased heavy rainfall, and more intense and damaging storms across the country. We should all relentlessly question who stands to gain from efforts to upend this unassailable and peer-reviewed scientific truth,' said Gretchen Goldman, president of UCS.
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Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
Nato-like protection in focus for Trump meeting with Ukraine, Europe
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Eyewitness News
12 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
European leaders to join Zelensky in US for Ukraine talks with Trump
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The South African
12 hours ago
- The South African
Sizwe Dlomo trolls Dricus after UFC title loss
Sizwe Dhlomo had surprising words for both Gayton McKenzie and Dricus du Plessis, who was dethroned of his UFC Middleweight World Champion belt by Khamzat Chimaev. The Kaya FM host has been vocal about his disdain for the Minister of Sports, Art, and Culture, whose K-word social media scandal went viral this week. On his X account, Sizwe Dhlomo reacted to Gayton McKenzie consoling Dricus du Plessis after his UFC title loss. The minister posted: 'Dricus du Plessis, you made us proud as one of the great champions, and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today, but you will come back stronger. 'It was hard to watch, but you never gave up, almost had him & you'll always be a legend. Chin up, #noDNAjustRSA 🇿🇦 Responding to the tweet, Sizwe posted: 'Hey f*kof, wena!' Sizwe Dhlomo wasn't the only South African who had something to say about Dricus du Plessis's loss. Comedian Yaaseen Barnes referred to the MMA fighter's previous controversial comments and endorsement of US President Donald Trump. He posted: 'Dricus' loss actually made me more Pro-South African. He stood for the white genocide (which has been debunked), he's also pro-Trump (who should be debunked) 'This is a loss for the good of the country.' EFF's Sinawo Thambo posted of Dricus: 'There is no patriotism with peddlers of fake genocide in SA and racists.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
