White House Response
A White House spokesperson stated that officials remain committed to using high-quality scientific information to guide public policy decisions.
"For too long, the USGCRP has been used as a vehicle for political agendas instead of sound science," the spokesperson said.
"We look forward to restoring the USGCRP and ensuring it fulfills its legal mandate."
Criticism from Scientists
Carlos Martinez, a senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, strongly criticized the appointment.
"Our country cannot afford a compromised USGCRP or NCA that peddles politically motivated disinformation echoing fossil fuel industry talking points," Martinez said.
He added that placing the National Climate Assessment under an "utterly unqualified climate science denier" would jeopardize the integrity of one of the nation's most important climate science resources.
The appointment aligns with broader changes to federal climate research infrastructure, including the closure of data-collection programs and changes to scientific advisory panels.
In response, the American Meteorological Society and the American Geophysical Union announced plans to produce independent peer-reviewed research to bridge data gaps.
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"It's incumbent on us to ensure our communities, our neighbors, our children are all protected and prepared for the mounting risks of climate change," American Geophysical Union president Brandon Jones said.
