Farmers win legal fight to bring climate resources back to federal websites

After a lawsuit by farmers and environmental groups, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has committed to restoring climate change information that was removed from its websites following President Trump's inauguration. The decision, announced by the US Department of Justice, includes the reinstatement of vital resources like the 'Climate Risk Viewer,' crucial for farmers managing land amid climate change. This move is seen as a significant victory for farmers who depend on these resources for crop management and land decisions.
The lawsuit alleged that the USDA's actions threatened farmers' livelihoods by removing essential data, violating the Freedom of Information Act and other federal regulations. The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, one of the plaintiffs, has faced significant budget cuts due to funding freezes linked to Trump's policies favoring the fossil fuel industry. The restoration of the climate data marks a victory, but advocates acknowledge ongoing challenges in combating policy changes impacting agricultural and environmental resources.
RATING
The story effectively highlights a significant legal and environmental issue, focusing on the restoration of climate change information by the USDA following a lawsuit. It provides a clear narrative of the events and their implications for farmers and the public. However, the article's balance and transparency could be improved by incorporating more diverse perspectives and disclosing the sources of its claims more clearly. While the story is timely and of high public interest, its potential impact and engagement could be enhanced with a broader exploration of the topic and interactive elements. Overall, the article presents a compelling account but would benefit from additional context and balance to fully inform and engage its audience.
RATING DETAILS
The story accurately reports the main factual elements regarding the USDA's decision to restore climate change information on its websites after a lawsuit by farmers and environmental groups. The claim that the USDA removed climate-related content and is now restoring it is consistent with available information. The story correctly identifies the lawsuit's basis in federal laws like the Freedom of Information Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. However, the article could benefit from more precise dates regarding when the information was removed and restored. The mention of specific tools such as the "Climate Risk Viewer" aligns with verified information, enhancing the story's factual accuracy.
The article predominantly presents the perspective of those opposing the removal of climate data, particularly the farmers and environmental groups who filed the lawsuit. While it effectively conveys the plaintiffs' views and the significance of their legal victory, it lacks a balanced representation by not including perspectives from the USDA or the Trump administration. The absence of these viewpoints may lead to a perception of bias, as the story does not explore the rationale behind the removal of the information or any counterarguments.
The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main events and implications of the lawsuit. The language is straightforward, making the content accessible to a broad audience. However, the inclusion of more background information on the USDA's actions and the legal context could improve comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the topic.
The article appears to rely on credible sources such as statements from the USDA and legal representatives involved in the lawsuit. However, it lacks direct quotes or references from official documents or spokespeople from the USDA or Trump administration, which could strengthen its reliability. The inclusion of named individuals like Marcie Craig and Jeffrey Stein adds credibility, but the story would benefit from a broader range of sources to provide a more comprehensive view.
The article provides limited transparency regarding its sources and the methodology of its reporting. While it includes quotes from involved parties, it does not explain how the information was gathered or verified. The article would benefit from more explicit disclosure of the sources of its claims and any potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency would enhance reader trust and understanding of the story's basis.
Sources
- https://www.engadget.com/science/the-usda-will-republish-climate-change-information-online-following-farmer-lawsuit-211907357.html
- https://www.agdaily.com/news/usda-to-restore-deleted-climate-pages-after-environmental-groups-lawsuit/
- http://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2025/05/usda-reverses-course-commits-restore-purged-climate-webpages
- https://coloradobiz.com/usda-climate-change-webpages-restored-lawsuit/
- https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/facing-lawsuit-usda-restore-climate-change-related-webpages-121767491
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Farmers Hurt by Funding Freeze Sue Trump Administration for Climate Grants
Score 7.2
Whistleblower lawyer sues Trump administration to restore revoked security clearance
Score 5.4
Trump says he’ll revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status
Score 5.8
Loss of FEMA program spells disaster for communities and their projects
Score 7.0