White House deletes thousands of webpages about energy conservation as heatwave slams US
The US Department of Energy, under the Trump administration, removed approximately 6,000 pages of content related to energy conservation, including advice on setting thermostats to 78 degrees during heatwaves, water conservation, insulation, and solar decathlon challenges. This move follows Republican criticism, led by figures such as Ted Cruz, Nikki Haley, and Representative Nancy Mace, who framed the request as 'socialism' and an 'act of war on women in menopause.' Notably, setting thermostats to 78 degrees is a standard recommendation during heatwaves, previously endorsed by Republican governors like Greg Abbott in Texas.
The deletion of these pages, which were preserved by the Internet Archive, appears to be broad and indiscriminate, affecting a wide range of energy conservation topics. This incident occurs as the US experiences a severe heatwave, with temperatures in New York City topping 95 degrees for four consecutive days, including two days over 100 degrees. According to data from the CDC and NOAA, extreme heat is responsible for more deaths in the US than floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined.
The removal of these resources may hinder public access to valuable information on energy conservation, particularly during periods of extreme weather. As temperatures continue to rise, the absence of these guidelines could exacerbate strain on the electrical grid, increasing the risk of blackouts and heat-related illnesses. The Biden administration or future policymakers may need to reissue similar guidelines or develop new strategies to mitigate these risks and promote energy conservation.
Key Takeaways
The US Department of Energy deleted around 6,000 webpages related to energy conservation during a historic heatwave.
The deletions were largely indiscriminate, affecting topics such as water conservation, insulation, and solar decathlon challenges.
Republican figures like Ted Cruz, Nikki Haley, and Representative Nancy Mace criticized the request to set thermostats to 78 degrees as 'socialism' and an 'act of war on women in menopause.'
The Internet Archive preserved the deleted pages, which could serve as a resource for future energy conservation efforts.
About the Source
This analysis is based on reporting by The Verge. Here is a short excerpt for context:
The US Department of Energy reportedly deleted about 6,000 pages related to energy conservation as a historic heatwave tears across the country. The deletion was suspiciously timed, following Republican outrage over Mayor Zohran Mamdani asking New Yorkers to help reduce strain on the grid by setting their AC to 78 degrees. Republicans like Ted Cruz (who has famously fled severe weather in his home state), Nikki Haley, and Representative Nancy Mace (South Carolina) quickly pounced, framing the request as socialism and an act of war on women in menopause (the Republican Party is notoriously concerned about women's health). Of course, this i … Read the full story at The Verge.Read the original at The Verge
