Trump administration's climate skepticism effort violated federal law, judge rules

"A federal judge on Friday ruled that the U.S. Department of Energy violated federal law when it formed a secretive group of researchers to produce a report downplaying the effects of climate change. The "Climate Working Group" was composed of five scientists hand-picked by Energy Secretary Chris Wright shortly after the White House dismissed more than 400 scientists working on the sixth National Climate Assessment."

"But Judge William G. Young of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said the group failed to meet the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, a 1972 law governing federal advisory groups that requires for public meetings, open records and other acts of transparency. Records released under the judge's orders indicate that the group met in secret at least 18 times."

A federal judge found the Department of Energy violated federal law by forming a secretive Climate Working Group to produce a report downplaying climate change impacts. The group had five scientists hand-picked by Energy Secretary Chris Wright after the White House dismissed more than 400 scientists from the sixth National Climate Assessment. The group's July report, "A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate," broke from scientific consensus and questioned the severity of global warming. The judge found violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, with records showing at least 18 secret meetings. The Energy Department argued exemption and mootness, but the judge disagreed.

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