"Leaked Memo: EPA Shows Workers How To Downplay Climate Change"

"The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday evening sent employees a list of eight approved talking points on climate change from its Office of Public Affairs ― guidelines that promote a message of uncertainty about climate science and gloss over proposed cuts to key adaptation programs.

An internal email obtained by HuffPost ― forwarded to employees by Joel Scheraga, a career staffer who served under President Barack Obama ― directs communications directors and regional office public affairs directors to note that the EPA “promotes science that helps inform states, municipalities and tribes on how to plan for and respond to extreme events and environmental emergencies” and “works with state, local, and tribal government to improve infrastructure to protect against the consequences of climate change and natural disasters.”

But beyond those benign statements acknowledging the threats climate change poses are talking points boiled down from the sort of climate misinformation EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has long trumpeted.

“Human activity impacts our changing climate in some manner,” one point reads. “The ability to measure with precision the degree and extent of that impact, and what to do about it, are subject to continuing debate and dialogue.” "

Alexander C. Kaufman reports for HuffPost March 28, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Staffers Get Talking Points Playing Down Human Role In Climate Change" (Washington Post)

"The EPA’s “Approved Talking Points” For Climate Change Are Scientifically Incorrect." (New Republic)

"Internal EPA Memo Tells Staffers How To Downplay Climate Change" (The Hill)

"EPA Instructs Staff To Emphasize Uncertainties In Climate Science" (Mashable)

"Scott Pruitt’s Climate Denial Has Become Official EPA Talking Points" (Think Progress)