In a significant development for American agriculture and environmental stewardship, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed to restoring valuable climate data that was deleted when the Trump administration took office. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit brought by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, alongside environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group.
Farmers Win Lawsuit: Deleted Climate Data to be Restored by USDA
Farmers Win Lawsuit: Deleted Climate Data to be Restored by USDA
The USDA agrees to reinstate crucial climate information for farmers following a lawsuit over its removal, aiming to enhance decision-making amidst climate risks.
The deleted information, which was vital for farmers to assess risks related to climate change, encompassed pages on federal funding, forest conservation, rural clean energy initiatives, and critical tools like the U.S. Forest Service's "Climate Risk Viewer." This interactive tool provided essential maps detailing the potential impacts of climate change on national forests and grasslands. According to the lawsuit, this deletion hindered farmers' ability to make timely decisions regarding their operations, as they faced increasing threats from events such as heat waves, droughts, and wildfires.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton informed the court that the USDA had already commenced the process of restoring the deleted resources and plans to complete the task within two weeks. The ongoing litigation, which is set to include a progress report in three weeks, highlights the pressing need for accurate climate data in supporting agricultural practices and promoting sustainable farming. Jeffrey Stein, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, applauded the USDA's acknowledgment of the serious implications the deletion had on farmers nationwide.
This resolution marks a step towards improving access to indispensable climate information necessary for farmers, thereby reinforcing efforts for sustainable agricultural futures in the face of climate adversity.
As American farmers navigate the challenges posed by climate change, the reinstatement of this critical data from the USDA is poised to enhance their decision-making capabilities and cultivate resilience amid shifting environmental landscapes.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton informed the court that the USDA had already commenced the process of restoring the deleted resources and plans to complete the task within two weeks. The ongoing litigation, which is set to include a progress report in three weeks, highlights the pressing need for accurate climate data in supporting agricultural practices and promoting sustainable farming. Jeffrey Stein, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, applauded the USDA's acknowledgment of the serious implications the deletion had on farmers nationwide.
This resolution marks a step towards improving access to indispensable climate information necessary for farmers, thereby reinforcing efforts for sustainable agricultural futures in the face of climate adversity.
As American farmers navigate the challenges posed by climate change, the reinstatement of this critical data from the USDA is poised to enhance their decision-making capabilities and cultivate resilience amid shifting environmental landscapes.
