The United States Department of Energy (DoE) recently announced that it would be adding certain energy-related words to its “list of words to avoid”, which suggests a clear shift in the government’s approach to energy compared to the former Biden administration.
In September, the DoE advised workers at its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) that they should avoid using the terms “climate change,” “green”, and “decarbonization” going forward. This follows remarks made by President Donald Trump at the recent United Nations General Assembly in criticism of the growing international discourse around climate change.
In late September, workers at EERE reportedly received a directive from the acting director of external affairs, Rachel Overbey, which stated, “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.”
Background
The directive was aimed towards both public-facing and internal communications. Overbey also suggested that workers avoid using the word “emissions” so as not to suggest that they are negative. Other terms mentioned included “energy transition,” “sustainability/sustainable,” “‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ energy,” “carbon/CO2 ‘footprint’” and “tax breaks/tax credits/subsidies.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has previously criticized climate science and downplayed the role of emissions in exacerbating severe weather conditions. Wright also defended a DoE climate report from July that experts suggest is full of misinformation, as well as announced the cutting of $13 billion in funding for renewable energy projects.
One anonymous worker responded to the directive, telling media sources that “Banning the use of these words would silence key elements of DoE’s mission.” They added, “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. DoE leadership can choose to stick their heads in the sand, but that won’t make the climate crisis go away or stop superstorms and wildfires from destroying more homes.”
Following reports of the directive, DoE spokesperson Ben Dietderich said the agency has not prohibited the use of those words. Dietderich told media sources, “We’ll look into the validity of the email and if necessary take steps to correct any emails perceived as official direction.” He added, “President Trump and Secretary Wright remain committed to transparency and fostering an open, honest dialogue about climate science. Reflecting that commitment, Secretary Wright regularly engages on these issues.”
However, the Trump administration has requested that agency leaders avoid roughly 200 terms in recent months, including words such as “activism” and “injustice”.
President Trump’s Climate Views
In September, President Donald Trump spoke out against climate change during the United Nations General Assembly, suggesting it was the “greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world”. Trump said that the scientific consensus on global warming was established by “stupid people” and criticized countries for adopting renewable energy.
At the event, Trump said that immigrants and green energy were a “double-tailed monster” that was “destroying” Europe. The U.S. President stated, “You need strong borders and traditional energy sources if you’re going to be great again… I worry about Europe; I love the people of Europe. I hate to see it being devastated by energy and immigration.”
Trump also suggested that the idea of “a carbon footprint,” – where individuals or groups produce different quantities of greenhouse gas emissions through their actions – was “a hoax made up by people with evil intentions.”
His remarks support the White House’s aims to derail the European Union’s legally binding targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
International Criticism
Trump’s speech at the UN Assembly attracted criticism from several international actors who reminded him that renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are now some of the cheapest forms of energy production globally. International funding for these energy sources is now greater than that of fossil fuels, reflecting the growing interest in a global energy transition. This ambition is demonstrated by the commitment of around 200 nations to the 2015 Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate scientists and policymakers worldwide see the diversification of the world’s energy mix as key to enhancing energy security in the future. Some attendees of the event also remarked on the importance of energy diversification for economic growth, as well as to tackle climate change.
It appears that President Trump’s view of climate change and an energy transition are at odds with that of many international actors, such as those who participated in the recent UN Assembly. In addition, through political orders, such as the recent DoE directive, it is clear that this critical view of green energy and global warming is being disseminated across U.S. government agencies for greater internal and external promotion.
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