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🗞️ Driving the news: The Trump administration has formally dissolved a federal working group of five climate change skeptics who authored a controversial report downplaying the risks of global warming and suggesting potential benefits
• The move follows a lawsuit from environmental organizations alleging the group's formation violated transparency laws
• Despite disbanding the group, the Department of Energy (DOE) has chosen not to withdraw the report, which triggered widespread criticism from the scientific community
🔭 The context: Formed in early 2025 under Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the group included prominent contrarians such as John Christy, Judith Curry, and Steven Koonin
• Its report sought to challenge the 2009 EPA Endangerment Finding that classifies greenhouse gas emissions as a threat to public health
• Over 100 climate scientists submitted more than 400 pages of rebuttal comments during the public consultation period
• Legal pressure centered on the group’s lack of disclosure and ideological bias, violating the Federal Advisory Committee Act
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This development is a major blow to efforts seeking to institutionalize climate skepticism within U.S. federal policy
• Had the report gained traction, it could have been used to justify rolling back key climate protections and sow public doubt on scientific consensus
• The strong pushback by the scientific community underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking in addressing climate risks and protecting public trust in environmental regulation
⏭️ What's next: While the Climate Working Group is officially dissolved, members like Curry have stated they plan to continue publishing revised findings independently
• Legal scrutiny of the DOE’s handling of climate assessments is likely to continue, especially in light of the administration’s previous efforts to remove past National Climate Assessment reports
• Environmental groups are expected to remain vigilant as the 2026 U.S. election cycle approaches, during which climate policy will remain a polarizing issue
💬 One quote: “My interpretation is they’re waving the white flag… any attempt to respond would have revealed how unscientific the report actually was.” – Andrew Dessler, climate scientist, Texas A&M University
📈 One stat: Over 400 pages of scientific rebuttals were submitted in response to the DOE’s climate report, reflecting a coordinated response from more than 100 climate scientists
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