US President-elect Donald Trump's transition team sent a letter of request to the Department of Energy last week. Energy Department officials refused to provide the list of employees who are involved in climate change projects.
A few years ago, Trump emphasized on his social media post that the Chinese plotted "the concept of global warming" in order "to make US manufacturing" uncompetitive. This led the people to think that he does not, indeed, believe that climate change is really happening.
Last week, it was reported that the Department of Energy received a letter from Trump's transition team. The leader was provided with a questionnaire about the DOE programs and projects. However, there was a portion asking for the names of all DOE employees and contractors who have attended in the previous global warming meetings.
The Department of Energy officials and employees insist that the request was alarming and threatening because it is uncertain what would happen next. Since they find it intimidating, the DOE leaders have decided not to name the employees involved in climate change during President Barrack Obama's administration.
According to NPR, the questionnaire also wants emails regarding the topics and minutes of the UN climate change meetings for the past five years. Though the DOE won't release the names, Eben Burnham-Snyder, DOE spokesperson, cited that they could only disclose available details and information.
"We are going to respect the professional and scientific integrity and independence of our employees at our labs and across our department," Burnham-Snyder quoted. "We will be forthcoming with all publically-available (sic) information with the transition team. We will not be providing any individual names to the transition team."
Meanwhile, according to The Verge, not only the DOE leaders were alarmed but also some of the members of the Congress. The request would likely be the basis to absolve the issues of climate change. Scientists are also worried that Trump will oust the ongoing projects and plans on climate change which was developed during Obama's term.
Donald Trump also indicated his plans on severing Obama's carbon emission reduction policies. Stay tuned for more updates!
