In his initial week in office, President Donald Trump initiated a series of executive orders that carry significant consequences for the environment and ongoing climate issues. In contrast to former President Joe Biden, who made combating climate change a central focus of his administration and maintained several associated policies, Trump’s actions signal a swift departure from these commitments. Many of his decisions are expected to face legal challenges, highlighting the contentious nature of these environmental policies.
Experts have voiced concerns over Trump’s retreat from global climate initiatives, as well as his plans to increase domestic oil and gas production while withdrawing support for electric vehicle incentives. With 2024 being recorded as the hottest year on the planet, scientists emphasize that rising temperatures are fueling extreme weather events that adversely affect millions of people worldwide. Marine biologist and policy expert Ayana Elizabeth Johnson cautioned, “These orders will make our air dirtier, make people sicker, make energy more expensive, and make our communities less prepared for extreme weather.”
Among the prominent actions taken by Trump is the executive order to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, a global pact aimed at curbing climate change. This agreement entailed that participating nations would develop nationally determined contributions to limit greenhouse gas emissions. By opting out, the Trump administration will no longer pursue emission reduction targets, nor will it honor related financial commitments to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ani Dasgupta, CEO of the World Resources Institute, argued that abandoning the Paris Agreement could diminish job opportunities in the budding clean energy sector for American workers while granting an advantage to countries like China and the EU.
In another executive order, Trump declared a national energy emergency, pushing for the expansion of oil and gas production under the mantra “drill, baby, drill.” This order suggests utilizing eminent domain and the Defense Production Act to access private lands for energy needs considered crucial by the government. However, experts contest Trump’s claims about an “inadequate energy supply,” asserting that the United States has sufficient energy resources. Gary Dirks, an Arizona State University director, noted that the U.S. has become the world’s largest oil producer, a status achieved not at the behest of the Biden administration, but as a continuation of decades-long policies.
Furthermore, the energy emergency declaration also undermines the Endangered Species Act, indicating it cannot hinder energy development efforts. This move raises alarms regarding the survival of numerous delicate species that could be endangered by increased fossil fuel activity. Gib Brogan from Oceana expressed that weakening protections for endangered species would likely accelerate their decline, alleging that drilling in vulnerable areas, such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, threatens biodiversity.
Trump is also poised to revoke Biden’s ambitious goals for electric vehicles, mistakenly labeling them as a “mandate.” This revocation would eliminate Biden’s non-binding target of achieving a 50% share of electric vehicles in new car sales by 2030, alongside potentially repealing the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicle purchases established under the Inflation Reduction Act. These changes could stymie the automotive industry’s ability to plan for a transition toward electric vehicles, as noted by Edmunds’ Jessica Caldwell.
Moreover, the administration is likely to overlook environmental justice considerations when evaluating new polluting facilities. This shift signifies a regression in efforts to combat environmental discrimination, particularly impacting low-income and minority communities that historically bear a greater share of pollution. Such drastic policy changes hinder the progress made over decades, as stated by Rena Payan from Justice Outside, and place an added strain on local organizations striving to protect vulnerable communities.
As these developments unfold, those dedicated to environmental justice and climate action are left grappling with a sense of loss and uncertainty about the future direction of U.S. environmental policies. Activists and organizers emphasize the significance of continuing efforts to fight for equity and sustainability.
