Resources for Tracking and Accessing Purged Federal Data
In January, we used our monthly blog post to highlight potential data-relevant concerns that we anticipated from the incoming presidential administration. Among the many consequences of the sweeping changes that have been initiated, the rescinding or purging of multiple federal data sources covering a range of issues including health, economy, and climate began last week. As federal agencies work to interpret and implement the requirements of executive orders, it is unclear which datasets will be restored and when. As a result, some data sources may not be accessible for some time.
For those seeking more information about the federal data situation, or those who are in need of data that is currently unavailable on federal websites, we offer the following resources:
Live document of efforts to archive U.S. federal government data - This was initially compiled by the Director of Research Data and Digital Scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries, and continues to be updated by a growing community of collaborators.
End of Term Archive - This an effort to preserve federal websites from each change in administration, dating back to 2008. Ideal for those seeking specific information and data from a pre-transition federal government website. The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine is another resource for accessing previous versions of government websites.
Hawaii.PolicyMap - Hawai‘i Data Collaborative sponsors open access to PolicyMap, an accessible and comprehensive mapping and analytics platform that hosts data from multiple sources - including federal government data. PolicyMap has reported that many purged data sources are available on the site. Local data users can access this platform for free by requesting an account here.
Hawai‘i Health Data Warehouse (HHDW) - Hosted at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa the HHDW compiles health data from both local and federal sources to serve the Hawai‘i health professionals community. For example, those seeking access to Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data can find it here.
Public Environmental Data Project - A repository of federal environmental data maintained by the Harvard Climate Change and Health Research Coordinating Center, Environmental Policy Innovation Center, Internet Archive and others.
This is by no means a comprehensive accounting of efforts to preserve federal government data. We are monitoring this evolving situation and are in discussions with those in and outside State and County government to understand the implications of these changes and begin to organize for local capacity building to, over time, fill critical data gaps. If you represent an organization that has been affected by these developments, especially in areas relevant to household assistance, please feel free to contact us at info@hawaiidata.org for assistance.