trump’s energy department forbids staff from saying ‘climate change’ or ‘green’

Department of Energy Implements Restrictions on Terminology

A comprehensive list of prohibited words has been implemented by the Department of Energy, guided by an individual appointed during the Trump administration. Notably, several of these terms are generally perceived as politically impartial.

According to a memo reviewed by Politico, the directive regarding “words to avoid” was disseminated via email to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) on Friday. Rachael Overbey, a special advisor to EERE, requested that all team members be informed of this updated list.

Prohibited Terms

Staff members are now restricted from utilizing terms such as: climate change, green, decarbonization, energy transition, sustainability, sustainable, subsidies, tax breaks, tax credits, and carbon footprint.

The term “emissions” has also been included on the list of banned words. The rationale, as reported, is that this term carries a negative connotation, despite its neutral definition. However, it’s important to note that the U.S. Supreme Court determined in 2007 that greenhouse gases could be regulated as air pollutants.

Historical Context of the EERE

The EERE was formed in the late 1970s through the consolidation of multiple government agencies.

This office was created in response to the energy crisis of 1973, which caused a dramatic increase in oil prices. The EERE’s primary goal was to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency to protect the U.S. economy from volatile commodity markets, including oil and gas.

Shift in Administration Policy

The current administration, along with its appointees, has prioritized increased utilization of these commodities for the American economy.

The Trump administration has consistently characterized initiatives related to the energy transition as a “green energy scam” in both speeches and official communications. During a recent address at the United Nations, President Trump criticized global investments in technologies like solar, wind, and batteries.

“Your country is going to fail,” President Trump stated.

Global Investment Trends

Despite this rhetoric, global investment in renewable energy has reached unprecedented levels in the first half of 2025.

According to BloombergNEF, investments in offshore wind and small-scale solar contributed to a 10% increase, reaching $386 billion compared to the previous year.