Trump administration adds more terms to banned words list in order downplay climate change

An email has been sent around the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy adding a series of words to a “list of words to avoid” reports Politico. Among them are the words ‘climate change’, which would be humorous if we weren’t dealing with the effects of climate change with ever more frequent and costly events.

Additionally, for the employees in the department, the list of words will make doing their jobs ever more difficult, they’ll have to get very creative with their language skills. The agency is part of the Department of Energy, and its mission is to research, develop, demonstrate and deploy affordable energy solutions and technology that will help the US transition to net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

Shhh! Don’t use these words says Trump administration

The email to employees at the EERE, which the Guardian also saw, was sent by acting director of external affairs Rachel Overbey. The directive 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.”

This guidance is for communications not just with the public, but also internal communications, as well as “cover documents such as requests for information for federal funding opportunities, reports and briefings,” reported Politico.

In addition to the newest terms, ‘climate change’, ‘green’, and ‘decarbonization’, the full list of words so far include:

These will now join a list of over 200 terms that have been flagged as no-no’s under the Trump administration across the government according to a list collected by The New York Times.

DOE press secretary Ben Dietderich told Politico that the department would look into the “validity of the email and if necessary take steps to correct any emails perceived as official direction,” on Monday. The following day in a email he shared with the Guardian he said that “there is no directive at the Energy Department instructing employees to avoid using phrases such as ‘climate change’ or ‘emissions.’”

“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,” said an anonymous current agency staffer speaking to the Guardian.

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