New DOE Dirty Words, Per Memo: "Climate Change", "Sustainable", "Emissions", "Green", "Clean Energy","Carbon Footprint" [View all]

The US Department of Energy has told employees in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) to avoid using the words “climate change” in what seems to be the latest incident in a crackdown on discussing the climate crisis in the US government. “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,” says an email from an agency acting director seen by the Guardian.

Employees in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which is the government’s largest funder of carbon-slashing technologies, were told to avoid using the terms in both internal dealings and public-facing work. “Whether you work directly on communications or not, this email applies to you,” says the email, which was first obtained by Politico. It’s a continuation of the anti-environmental agenda Trump has pushed since entering the White House, said one anonymous agency staffer. It follows a move by Trump to gut EERE’s funding of green technologies. “My reaction was: same shit, different day,” the worker said.

In addition to “climate change”, the banned terms include “decarbonization”, “sustainable”, “emissions” and “green”. Also on the list are “energy transition”, “‘clean’ or ‘dirty’ energy” and “carbon/CO2 ‘Footprint’”. Another set of words to be avoided: “Tax breaks/tax credits/subsidies”, probably because of the terms’ association with Joe Biden’s efforts to subsidize green technologies, which the administration is clawing back.

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Ed. - And even though the Guardian has the email specifying these forbidden terms, the DOE straight-up lied about it.

The Department of Energy’s press secretary denies that it has instructed employees to avoid the use of specific terms. “There is no directive at the Energy Department instructing employees to avoid using phrases such as ‘climate change’ or ‘emissions,’” Ben Dietderich, the agency’s press secretary, said in an emailed statement. “President Trump and Secretary Wright remain committed to transparency and fostering an open, honest dialogue about climate science. Reflecting that commitment, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright regularly engages on these issues.”

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https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/30/energy-department-climate-change-crisis-language