Internal guidance on terminology in energy projects
An internal email addressed to employees at the U.S. Department of Energy reportedly advised avoiding terms such as “climate change,” “clean energy,” and “energy transition.” The message, according to internal sources, was sent to staff at the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which manages a budget of over $3 billion dedicated to sustainable energy research and efficiency technologies in housing and transportation.
Official response from the Department of Energy
Spokespersons for the agency stated that no official directive exists prohibiting the use of environmental terminology. According to the department’s position, both the Energy Secretary and the federal administration remain committed to transparency and open scientific dialogue.
Nevertheless, the leaked email instructed employees to refrain from using about a dozen specific phrases in their work, including internal reports, public documents, and updates on the agency’s website. Among the expressions listed were “decarbonization” and “sustainable,” terms considered central to energy policy and emissions-reduction research.
Broader implications and background
If confirmed, the guidance would expand earlier measures that already limited the use of environmental terminology on federal websites. Analysts note that restricting this language could affect how information on funding opportunities, scientific progress, and renewable energy data—such as solar, wind, or geothermal power—is communicated.
Although the Department of Energy maintains that no formal ban is in place, the discussion highlights ongoing debates over how scientific and technological information is managed in areas with significant environmental and economic consequences.
