Even Trump's Earth Day message was anti-science
President Donald Trump just released a statement for Earth Day, and it doesn't seem like he really loves the Earth?
Along with some faint praise of America's "abundant natural resources and awe-inspiring beauty," Trump used Earth Day to talk about jobs.
"Economic growth enhances environmental protection. We can and must protect our environment without harming America's working families. That is why my administration is reducing unnecessary burdens on American workers and American companies, while being mindful that our actions must also protect the environment," Trump said.
Are those vague allusions to the Trump administration's move to revive the Keystone pipeline? Or to slash federal funding for scientific research? Or gut the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) greenhouse gas emissions rules?
.@realDonaldTrump Earth Day msg is unusual, defends policies aimed at economic growth, says science depends on "robust debate." pic.twitter.com/XI6ovznOAs
— Andrew Freedman (@afreedma) April 22, 2017
The White House statement didn't mention climate change, national parks, the EPA or anything else scientific that's been threatened or ignored by the Trump administration. Nor did it mention the many thousands of people who participated in the March for Science in Washington, D.C. and around the world on Saturday, many in direct response to the Trump administration's anti-science stances.
In fact, the statement also included a line frequently used by those who deny the overwhelming evidence showing that human emissions of greenhouse gases cause global warming.
"My Administration is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to a better understanding of our environment and of environmental risks," Trump said.
"As we do so, we should remember that rigorous science depends not on ideology, but on a spirit of honest inquiry and robust debate," Trump said.
He followed up with this tweet later in the day.
I am committed to keeping our air and water clean but always remember that economic growth enhances environmental protection. Jobs matter!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2017
Lost on the president are two actual mainstays of science, which are research and observation. To Trump and those in his administration, climate science and other extremely well-researched topics are counted as ideologies, and put up for debate.
"This April 22nd, as we observe Earth Day, I hope that our Nation can come together to give thanks for the land we all love and call home," Trump said.
Wouldn't that be great?
Andrew Freedman contributed reporting.
