Trump Halts Biden’s Environmental Policies: What It Means for the Future of Our Planet | OilPrice.com

A significant environmental study, the National Nature Assessment (NNA), was nearly finished when President Trump decided to stop it. This move is part of Trump’s broader focus on reversing climate initiatives set by the Biden administration, including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement.

The NNA aimed to evaluate America’s natural resources, including lands, waters, and biodiversity. It planned to provide insights into how these resources connect to issues like public health, the economy, and climate change. The study was backed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and involved around 150 authors. Philip Levin, who led the assessment, emphasized its importance for addressing community needs and understanding nature’s impact on society.

Despite ongoing support, the project saw major setbacks when Trump signed an executive order halting all work on February 11. This decision was part of a series of actions aimed at expanding fossil fuel production and rolling back climate protections.

Levin reassured his team via personal communication that their work was too important to abandon. He encouraged them to seek alternative ways to publish the findings outside government channels. Experts in the field expressed broad support for continuing the work, highlighting its critical nature for future environmental policy.

While the White House hasn’t extensively commented on this cancellation, a spokesperson suggested it aligns with a goal to boost American energy production while also preserving natural resources for future generations. However, with federal support withdrawn, the team must now find alternative funding and maintain public interest in the assessment’s findings.

The NNA’s cancellation is a stark reminder of the changing political landscape regarding environmental issues. It represents not just a loss of valuable research but also a shift in priorities that could affect climate understanding and protection efforts moving forward.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com