Trump Administration Names Climate Skeptic to Head Flagship Federal Climate Research Program

The US Global Change Research Program faces uncertainty after a controversial leadership change.

Matthew Wielicki, a geologist and former University of Alabama assistant professor, has been named director of the USGCRP, a federal program coordinating climate change research. This appointment comes as the White House revived the program following its suspension under the Trump administration, which halted the Sixth National Climate Assessment in April 2025.

The USGCRP, established by Congress 36 years ago, oversees a quadrennial assessment involving scientists from 14 federal agencies and academia, with a $33.9 million contract held by ICF International to coordinate the current report. Wielicki announced his new role via social media, while the White House defended the appointment, stating a desire to restore the USGCRP and ensure it fulfills its legal mandate after political agendas influenced the program. However, critics like Carlos Martinez of the Union of Concerned Scientists argue that Wielicki lacks qualifications and could undermine the program’s credibility. The resumption of the Sixth National Climate Assessment remains unresolved, with no timeline provided.

Businesses in various states could watch these developments closely, as the assessment influences infrastructure planning and emergency management nationwide. Some states’ exposure to climate risks might heighten the need for reliable federal research, yet political and scientific uncertainties could delay critical information that shapes local decision-making and investment.

US Names Climate Skeptic to Head Flagship Federal Climate Research Program
By energynews.pro, energynews.pro