Join the Fight: Environmental Justice Advocates Urged to Stay Resilient in the Face of Challenges

President Donald Trump halted many federal initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and supporting renewable energy. This left many advocates concerned, but they assure us the fight for clean energy and environmental justice will go on, regardless of federal involvement.

In January 2021, President Joe Biden launched an initiative called Justice40. This program aimed to direct at least 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments to disadvantaged communities. It was led by several federal agencies, including the Council on Environmental Quality and the Office of Management and Budget. Sadly, Justice40 was one of the first programs President Trump canceled.

Former officials from the Biden administration gathered recently to discuss what individuals can do as federal support for environmental initiatives diminishes. Shalanda Baker, who formerly directed the Office of Energy Justice and Equity, expressed her frustration. She pointed out that staff members in the Trump administration have been planning this for a long time. “To make such sweeping changes happen quickly, there must be organization and determination,” Baker said. She now serves as the vice provost for sustainability at the University of Michigan, where she encourages everyone to continue the work.

Another panelist, Tony Reames, who also worked for the Department of Energy, acknowledged the pain and frustration among many regarding the rollback of environmental protections. “We may feel sick about these changes and the effects on our colleagues still at the federal level. It’s vital that we focus on the actions we can take together,” he said.

The Trump administration often framed environmental justice as part of a divisive agenda, moving away from initiatives that aim to support communities affected by pollution and other environmental issues. The White House Council on Environmental Quality, responsible for overseeing environmental justice efforts, saw its authority diminished under Trump.

Jalonne White-Newsome, the first chief environmental justice officer at CEQ, spoke on the importance of grassroots efforts. “Environmental justice didn’t start with the government, and it won’t end with it. We all have a role to play in advocating for change,” she emphasized. She urged people to adapt federal tools and strategies to their local needs.

Carla Walker-Miller, a business owner and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services, shared her own experiences with barriers in the clean energy sector. She encouraged the audience to be brave and stand firm, saying, “Courage is a renewable resource. It’s essential to do what feels right, even when the situation seems tough.”

Despite the challenges ahead, Walker-Miller remained optimistic about the growing interest and activism surrounding environmental justice. “More people are getting involved than ever before. That gives us hope,” she concluded.

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