The White House has deleted approximately 6,000 web pages related to energy conservation as a historic heatwave impacts the United States. This action, reported on July 4, 2026, follows intense criticism from Republican lawmakers regarding advice given by Mayor Zohran Mamdani to set air conditioning thermostats to 78 degrees to alleviate pressure on the electrical grid.
Timing of Web Page Deletions Raises Questions
The deletion of these web pages appears to be strategically timed. Following Mamdani's request, Republican figures such as Ted Cruz, Nikki Haley, and Representative Nancy Mace criticized the advice, labeling it as an example of socialism and an attack on women's health. Despite the backlash, the Department of Energy has previously recommended similar thermostat settings during heatwaves.
Republican governors from traditionally conservative states, including Texas, have also issued calls for residents to lower their thermostats during extreme heat. The advice aims to prevent blackouts that could leave individuals without air conditioning during dangerously high temperatures.
Consequences of Extreme Heat on the Electrical Grid
New York City has been experiencing extreme temperatures, with highs exceeding 95 degrees for four consecutive days, including two days surpassing 100 degrees. This surge in temperature puts significant strain on the electrical grid, especially during holiday weekends when energy consumption spikes.
