After President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders aimed at reversing many of his predecessor’s environmental policies, activists in the U.S. are preparing to fight back in court. These orders, signed on the first day of Trump’s second term, specifically target key initiatives from President Joe Biden, including the Justice40 Initiative.
The Justice40 Initiative was designed to ensure that at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal environmental and energy spending reach historically marginalized communities. This program has been widely regarded as a significant step forward for environmental justice. However, many of the government websites showcasing such initiatives during Biden’s term, like the White House Environmental Justice page, have been taken down since Trump returned to office.
Trump’s new executive orders aim to undo various other Biden initiatives, including:
- Reversing directives for federal agencies to consider environmental justice when allocating funds.
- Rolling back goals for increasing electric vehicle sales by 2030.
- Dismantling the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
With nearly 80 of Biden’s executive orders revoked in just two days, many activists are concerned about being overwhelmed by the rapid changes. Maria Lopez-Nuñez, an environmental justice organizer from New Jersey, stated that the sheer volume of actions can be daunting for community organizers.
House Democrats have expressed their disapproval, stating that these moves threaten to undermine the federal response to climate change and weaken pollution regulations. In contrast, Trump’s team argues that these changes will enhance environmental protection while promoting economic growth.
Activists warn that Trump’s actions could worsen health issues in vulnerable communities, which often suffer from high pollution levels. These neighborhoods, primarily inhabited by low-income families and people of color, are already experiencing increased rates of asthma and cardiovascular problems due to proximity to polluting industries. Abigail Dillen, president of the environmental law firm Earthjustice, highlighted that more pollution means more health issues and deaths in these communities.
Lopez-Nuñez added that Trump’s stance against electrifying vehicles and reducing pollution in disadvantaged communities poses increased health risks for families. New Jersey’s Ironbound community, surrounded by pollution-heavy infrastructure, is particularly worried about future deterioration in air quality.
Activists like Roishetta Ozane in Louisiana fear that Trump’s actions could lead to more pollution from liquified natural gas projects. They had previously made headway in halting similar developments under the Biden administration, but with Trump back in office, those progressions now seem at risk.
As it stands, many environmental advocates are gearing up for legal battles against the new executive orders, especially those affecting funding under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. They believe that legal action will be essential to ensure their rights are upheld. The Impoundment Control Act prohibits any president from withholding congressionally appropriated funds, which adds a layer of legal complexity to Trump’s orders.
Legal experts suggest that many of Trump’s actions may not stand up in court due to procedural issues surrounding public comments and funding regulations. The need for agencies to review public input means that these laws might undergo substantial scrutiny before they can be fully implemented.
Despite the challenges ahead, long-time activists like Robert Bullard emphasize the importance of patience and persistence. He notes that the fight for environmental justice has been ongoing for decades and urges people to remain hopeful. “Don’t give up,” he encourages, reminding everyone that the struggle for clean air and water is a long-term challenge that requires resilience.
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