Climate advocates brace for Trump's return with new strategies

A coalition of environmental groups is preparing to defend climate policies against a second Trump administration, aiming to secure gains from the Inflation Reduction Act and bolster legal and grassroots support.

Georgina Gustin reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Environmental groups have built more coordinated coalitions since Trump’s first term and plan to intensify grassroots and legal strategies.
  • They are focused on securing remaining funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated billions to clean energy programs that could be at risk.
  • Advocates stress the importance of state and local action to protect progress on climate goals in case of federal rollbacks.

Key quote:

“We’re ready. We have a plan to fight against any and all efforts to harm public health, climate action and the environment. We’re going to use every lever we have to defend people and nature.”

— Manish Bapna, president, Natural Resources Defense Council

Why this matters:

Environmental policies face a critical test as Trump’s reelection could undo recent climate progress, stymie U.S. emissions reduction and weaken international climate agreements. With federal policy in jeopardy, advocacy groups are preparing to fight locally and in court to keep the U.S. moving toward cleaner energy.

Related:

Clock approaching midnight superimposed over a world map
Credit: chughes/ BigStock Photo ID: 20162111

'Doomsday Clock' advances to 85 seconds till midnight

A science-oriented advocacy group moved its “Doomsday Clock” to 85 seconds to midnight, saying the Earth is closer than ever to destruction.
Symbol of law and justice, law and justice concept, scales of justice.
Credit: vladek/BigStock Photo ID: 46192432

The latest front in the battle over climate lawsuits: bills wiping out liability

Republican lawmakers are advancing legislation that would shield major polluters from legal accountability for climate change harms.
The oil rig Sevan Louisiana off the Curacao coast in the Caribbean.
Credit: Zaschnaus/BigStock Photo ID: 288731746

Trump administration approves ultra-deepwater oil drilling plan

The $5 billion project in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to help produce up to 10 billion barrels of oil by the end of this decade. Critics say it could endanger people and marine life.
A man in a suit wearing a hard hat and a yellow vest at the edge of a pit

White hydrogen: The hidden gas that could transform energy

Trillions of tons of hydrogen lie in Earth's crust. Can a Bavarian geologist unlock this clean and cheap energy source?
Offshore wind turbine silouetted against setting sun

Vineyard Wind puts final blade on long coming project

Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, the nation's largest offshore wind projects, are generating power off the New England coast.
Field scientist recording notes in notebook

White hydrogen: The hidden gas that could transform energy

Trillions of tons of hydrogen lie in Earth's crust. Can a Bavarian geologist unlock this clean and cheap energy source?
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.