From the start, the new Trump Administration has focused on fossil fuels and rolled back renewable energy initiatives. In his first week, President Trump canceled several climate-related executive orders from the Biden Administration and pushed for fossil fuel growth instead of renewable energy sources.
On February 4, 2025, Lee Zeldin, the new EPA Administrator, introduced the “Powering the Great American Comeback” Initiative. This plan has five main goals:
- Ensure clean air, land, and water for everyone;
- Promote American energy dominance;
- Streamline permitting processes and enhance cooperation between federal and state agencies;
- Establish the U.S. as a leader in artificial intelligence;
- Protect and revive jobs in the American auto industry.
These goals show the administration’s intent to position the EPA as a supporter of American industries and fossil fuel development while working efficiently across different agencies.
Another significant action taken was a memo on January 30 that paused all federal environmental lawsuits. This freeze allows the new administration to review ongoing cases and regulations. An EPA spokesperson noted that many major decisions are currently under quick review, which may delay some ongoing projects.
On day one, Trump signed an executive order titled “Unleashing American Energy.” This order targeted initiatives from the Biden Administration that addressed climate change and halted the use of the social cost of carbon in environmental reviews. It also paused spending from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, impacting the electric vehicle subsidy. Even though courts have ruled to lift the spending freeze, the Trump Administration has not complied, leaving many companies dependent on these funds in a state of uncertainty.
In line with broader cuts to federal agencies, 168 employees in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice were put on leave, and the administration aimed to eliminate roles focused on environmental justice. Trump also canceled several of Biden’s environmental justice executive orders, making it harder to integrate these concerns into government decision-making.
The administration’s stance has led to the removal of climate change content from important government websites, including the White House and the State Department. The EPA’s EJScreen tool, used to assess community vulnerabilities, has also been taken offline. Organizations and companies that rely on this data for sustainability efforts will need to find alternative sources to navigate their projects effectively.
The funding freeze is taking a toll on renewable energy and infrastructure projects, affecting everyone from contractors and renewable energy firms to local governments and tribes. Communities involved in federally funded environmental initiatives, along with farmers relying on USDA grants, find themselves in limbo as they await resolution of the funding freeze.
The reduction of federal support for environmental justice will significantly impact project developers. Disadvantaged communities will lose out on vital resources, grants, and expertise, making it harder for developers to make informed choices about their operations.
Check out this related article: How Climate Change Heavily Impacts Vulnerable Bay Area Communities: A Deep Dive
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