Underwood Works to Prevent Administration from Hiding Climate Change Information on Official Government Sites

WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) wrote to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Purdue expressing concerns over recent reports of USDA officials hiding or evading publication of research on the effects of climate change on agriculture. The letter follows a recent article in Politico which detailed a "persistent pattern" of avoiding the promotion of articles that specifically show "potential dangers and consequences of climate change." In the letter, Underwood noted the invaluable role USDA research plays in empowering farmers to make important business decisions and adapt their practices to face future challenges. Underwood requested USDA provide a clear stance on climate change and their plan to preserve and promote independent research in all branches of the department.

"Ignoring the link between climate change and extreme weather presents a direct threat to our national security, food security, and to the livelihoods of Illinois farmers and farmers throughout the country," Underwood wrote. "Undermining public discourse on climate change by obfuscating research is dangerous. "

Just last week, Underwood introduced an amendment to the FY 2020 Agriculture appropriations bill that would prevent federal agencies like USDA from removing existing public information about climate change.

Full text of the letter can be foundhere and below.

June 25, 2019

The Honorable Sonny Perdue

Secretary of Agriculture

U.S. Department of Agriculture

1301 Independence Avenue, S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20024

Dear Secretary Perdue:

I write today to express concern over recent news reports indicating that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials have sought to avoid publicizing scientific research that explores the effects of climate change on agriculture. A Politico article published on June 23, 2019 details a "persistent pattern" of avoiding promotion of articles that specifically show the "potential dangers and consequences of climate change." A separate Politico article published on May 7, 2019 reports that USDA researchers fear professional retaliation for publishing independent scientific findings that do not align with the Administration's political positions.

As you know, USDA research plays an invaluable role in empowering farmers by giving them the tools to make important business decisions and adapt their farming practices to face future challenges. Ignoring the link between climate change and extreme weather presents a direct threat to our national security, food security, and to the livelihoods of Illinois farmers and farmers throughout the country.

Farmers across the country are already suffering the consequences of climate change. I've spoken to farmers in my home district, the Illinois 14th, who are concerned that an early frost could threaten entire farm operations this year because of late planting and more unpredictable weather patterns. The very existence of multi-generational farms and an entire way of life for some families are at risk.

I believe that undermining public discourse on climate change by obfuscating research is dangerous. That is why I introduced an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which would prevent federal agencies like USDA from removing existing public information about climate change.

I therefore request that you provide a detailed plan to preserve and promote independent research within all branches of USDA. To avoid conflicts within your department, I also request a written response which clearly states USDA's stance on climate change and its effects on agriculture in our country. I look forward to your response, and to working with you to ensure America's farmers have the information they need to succeed as our society navigates the challenges posed by a changing climate.

Sincerely,

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