Exploring the Impact of Trump’s Environmental Executive Orders on Climate and Energy Policies

During a week of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump signed executive orders that rolled back many environmental protections established by President Biden. On his very first day in office, Trump eliminated over ten of Biden’s key orders aimed at tackling climate change.

Executive orders are directives from the president that do not need congressional approval. While historically used for urgent matters, Trump’s administration criticized Biden’s orders as “climate extremism.” They argued that overspending on environmental initiatives was driving inflation and straining businesses with tight regulations. Some experts contend that these rollbacks could worsen climate issues and harm the economy.

Sejal Patel, director of the nonprofit Rising Communities in LA, noted that recent wildfires caused an estimated $164 billion in damages for the county. Researchers from UCLA linked these fires to extreme heat and conditions influenced by global warming. Patel emphasizes that the impacts of climate change are affecting jobs, homes, and livelihoods. “The more we delay action, the more severe the consequences will be,” she said.

One significant move by Trump was the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, an international treaty focused on reducing global warming. With the U.S. being the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, this decision could signal to the world that climate goals are no longer a priority for America, according to legal experts. This could also open the door for other countries, like China, to seize economic opportunities in the growing green energy market.

In addition to withdrawing from international commitments, Trump declared a “national energy emergency” that aimed to open protected areas for oil drilling to create jobs and lower gas prices. However, renewable energy sources were already the most affordable energy option, with prices expected to drop even further in the coming years. Experts suggest that moving away from fossil fuels could save the U.S. billions annually while still addressing greenhouse gas emissions.

Trump also rolled back support for significant climate initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated over a trillion dollars to environmental projects over ten years. This funding has been crucial for California, which has received $2.6 billion for climate initiatives. Patel pointed out that a $500,000 grant to her organization for environmental cleanup was frozen due to Trump’s actions. “Many organizations relied on these grants for critical work, and now that has come to a standstill,” she added.

California is taking steps to address these challenges. Governor Gavin Newsom mandated the closure of oil fields to reduce pollution and health risks, particularly for low-income communities. Experts note that while federal actions may stall, states have the power to push for stronger climate laws and challenge executive orders in court.

Tyson Timmer, a doctoral candidate at UCLA, shared the frustration in the environmental community, saying that when lawmakers don’t act, executive orders often fill the gaps. However, these orders can be overturned if deemed unconstitutional. Many of Trump’s directives are currently facing legal challenges, which could delay their implementation.

Despite the federal rollbacks, California, with its massive economy, can still lead the way in environmental efforts. Timmer believes that more states will take similar actions, ensuring that essential climate initiatives continue despite changes at the federal level. “California can leverage its influence to maintain progress on environmental policy,” Timmer said. “We’re likely to see more states stepping up in the coming years.”

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