The past few years have shown us the power of working together for a healthier society. Under the Trump administration, we witnessed significant challenges as corporate interests often overshadowed community needs. However, people united for change can achieve remarkable victories.
In the last year alone, we defended various crucial programs and succeeded in halting harmful legislation. We stopped the rollback of lead protection rules, secured funding for school lunches, and blocked damaging agricultural policies in states like Iowa. These victories affirm that our collective action matters.
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains clear. Here are the key areas we will tackle:
Fighting Corporate Influence in Agriculture
Legislation like the EATS Act and the Cancer Gag Act threatens consumer and environmental safeguards. The EATS Act would limit local governments’ ability to protect people, while the Cancer Gag Act shields pesticide producers from accountability. Both aim to prioritize corporate profits over public health.
Our fight will continue against these harmful bills, ensuring that community welfare is prioritized. At the same time, we will oppose cuts to food assistance programs like SNAP, particularly during a time of rising prices caused by deregulated corporations.
Ensuring Clean, Safe Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is meant to safeguard our drinking water. However, recent years have seen a rollback of crucial protections. Our members successfully pushed governors to petition the EPA to monitor microplastics in our water. We will keep advocating for regulations to ensure our water remains safe and free from harmful substances like lead and PFAS chemicals.
Addressing Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
The administration has also pursued policies that entrench fossil fuels in our communities. Our goal is to halt subsidies to the fossil fuel industry and resist harmful infrastructure that threatens our health. This includes fighting against carbon pipelines and other installations that pose risks to public health and the environment.
Challenging Data Center Expansion
The rise of data centers linked to AI and cryptocurrency is straining our resources, using vast amounts of water and energy. Last year, we called for a nationwide freeze on new data centers and successfully pushed back against local proposals. We’ll continue this fight, aiming to protect both the environment and community interests.
Legal Strategies Against Rollbacks
As federal regulations come under attack, we plan to use the legal system to defend our health and environment. This includes challenging policies that aim to weaken clean water protections and reining in pollution from industrial sources.
Grassroots Organizing for Local Change
Grassroots movements are more crucial than ever. In 2025, we saw significant local victories that improved lives despite federal setbacks. From supporting Climate Superfund laws to blocking harmful projects like fracking, our community efforts are making a difference across the nation.
For example, Pennsylvania has enacted zoning laws to protect residents from fracking. In Florida, we’re campaigning for affordable energy initiatives. Every state has its challenges, yet our local activism continues to grow. In 2026, we plan to expand these efforts further.
The battle for health and environmental protections is ongoing, but with almost 2.3 million supporters and 4,000 volunteers, our movement is poised for success. As we stand united, we are committed to holding corporations accountable and advocating for a safe, clean environment for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
For further information on these issues and ongoing efforts, visit Food & Water Watch.
