10 Powerful Strategies to Combat the Trump Administration and Safeguard Our Environment

Earthjustice believes everyone deserves a clean and healthy environment. For over 50 years, we have fought for this right using legal battles; now, we are more committed than ever—especially during the new Trump administration.

When the Trump administration posed threats to our air, water, and wildlife, our dedicated attorneys stepped in. We won our cases 85% of the time, showcasing our effectiveness.

Here’s a look at ten crucial fights we’re taking on to safeguard the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and securing community health.

Fighting for Climate Action

We’re pushing for real government action on climate change. In recent years, we celebrated significant investments in clean energy and new regulations to reduce pollution from power plants. If the Trump administration tries to roll back these achievements, we will hold them accountable, all while striving to meet U.S. climate goals.

We have already taken legal action against attempts to weaken methane pollution standards and clean vehicle regulations. Climate change is a pressing issue; disasters like Hurricane Helene and the wildfires in Los Angeles remind us that we can’t afford delays.

Protecting the Western Arctic

The Western Arctic is home to rich biodiversity, including polar bears and millions of migratory birds. Earthjustice has spent decades defending this vital area from oil development.

While prior efforts by the Biden administration protected millions of acres, the Trump administration quickly reversed these protections, threatening both the environment and our climate. We are challenging major oil projects like the Willow Project, which could significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Preserving National Monuments

National monuments protect some of America’s most treasured places. When the Trump administration targeted these areas, we mobilized public support and took legal action alongside Indigenous tribes. We will continue to fight against any attempts to diminish these protections.

Guarding Our Oceans

The protection of our oceans has bipartisan support. However, when the Trump administration attempted to hand over these waters to oil companies, we took them to court and won. With additional protections put in place during the Biden era, we are prepared to defend them from any rollbacks.

Preventing Water Pollution

Access to clean drinking water shouldn’t be a privilege. Unfortunately, decisions like Sackett v. EPA weaken protections for vital wetlands and streams. We are fighting to restore these protections and challenge wrongful permits for polluting projects.

Defending Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears are making a comeback, thanks in part to the Endangered Species Act. Yet, potential policy changes by the Trump administration could strip away these protections. Earthjustice will continue advocating for grizzlies and their habitats.

Upholding the Endangered Species Act

As biodiversity loss increases, many U.S. species face extinction. The Trump administration’s plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act could exacerbate this crisis. Earthjustice has fought successfully to protect vulnerable wildlife, and we are ready to defend the ESA once more.

Protecting Communities from Toxic Chemicals

Chemicals are everywhere, and many can be harmful. The Trump administration may weaken laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act, making regulation harder. Earthjustice will continue advocating for stronger safeguards against dangerous chemicals for everyone’s health and safety.

Removing Lead from Our Environment

Lead is a toxic threat in our communities. Earthjustice has fought against harmful regulations that allow lead exposure through drinking water and housing. Despite efforts to cut funding for lead line replacement, we will keep fighting for stronger protective measures.

Advocating for Government Accountability

Effective governance relies on impartial scientific data. We successfully sued to reverse cuts to independent scientists at the EPA. Now, we’re ready to challenge any efforts to diminish the expertise of civil servants, ensuring fair, evidence-based policy decisions continue in the future.