Burlington preserves 'public research' on climate change

Burlington is hosting Environmental Protection Agency climate change data pages on the city website, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced on Monday. 

Weinberger said Burlington, along with several other cities, is following the lead of Chicago, which began preserving public research on climate change in May after the EPA began altering its website after President Donald Trump took office.

Related:

• Burlington council affirms commitment to climate goals
• Vermont will join climate alliance
• Vt. officials: Climate decision 'travesty,' 'disgrace,' 'stunning rejection of science'

"Climate change is real, and deleting federal web pages that contain years' worth of research does not alter this global, scientific consensus," Weinberger said. 

In an April statement, the EPA said it was updating its website to reflect the agency's new direction under Trump and Administrator Scott Pruitt.

“As EPA renews its commitment to human health and clean air, land, and water, our website needs to reflect the views of the leadership of the agency,” said J.P. Freire, associate administrator for public affairs, in the statement.

"Similarly, content related to climate and regulation is also being reviewed," the statement said. 

Under President Barack Obama, "climate change" appeared as a topic in a list on the front page. It was removed under Trump. 

Burlington officials have renewed their commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris climate accords in the wake of Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the agreement. 

Gov. Phil Scott also announced that Vermont will join a group of states in a "climate alliance," which will also work toward climate goals.

Burlington's website can be viewed at climatechange.burlingtonvt.gov

Contact Jess Aloe at 802-660-1874 or jaloe@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @jess_aloe