The Trump administration has officially disbanded a controversial climate panel that drew criticism for questioning mainstream science on global warming. The group, known as the Climate Working Group, was quietly dissolved after a lawsuit challenged its legality and credibility.
The panel, made up of five academics, released a report earlier this year that downplayed the severity of human-driven climate change and suggested there could even be benefits from rising carbon dioxide levels. The findings stood in stark contrast to decades of established scientific consensus and sparked outrage among environmental advocates and researchers.
Almost immediately after the report’s release, environmental organizations filed a lawsuit, arguing that the panel violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act. They claimed the group lacked transparency, balance, and public accountability—requirements for any government advisory body. With mounting legal pressure, the Department of Energy, which had overseen the group, confirmed its dissolution in early September.
While the group is no longer active, critics warn that its report could still influence climate policy decisions. Officials have not withdrawn the document, raising concerns that its contrarian conclusions may linger in policy discussions. Environmental groups argue this could undermine urgent action to address global warming.
The end of the Climate Working Group highlights the ongoing clash between politics and science in shaping U.S. climate policy. For supporters of stronger climate action, the disbandment represents a victory for transparency and evidence-based decision-making, even as debates over how to address the climate crisis continue.