environmental justice
Major U.S. nature report in jeopardy due to Trump administration shutdown
Scientists were blindsided when the Trump administration killed a first-of-its-kind U.S. nature assessment, but key experts say they’ll finish it without government support.
In short:
- The National Nature Assessment was nearly complete when Trump revoked it by executive order, cutting off federal support and removing the project’s web page.
- The report aimed to assess the state of America’s land, water and wildlife, predicting future changes and their impacts on human health, the economy and national security.
- Researchers are now working to publish the report independently, raising challenges about peer review, funding and how to maintain the report’s influence.
Key quote:
“This work is too important to die. The country needs what we are producing.”
— Phil Levin, former director of the National Nature Assessment
Why this matters:
When Trump pulled the plug on the National Nature Assessment, scientists were left scrambling to salvage a project they’d poured years into. But without federal backing, it’s an uphill climb to get it peer-reviewed and recognized by the right people. Still, they’re pushing forward without official funding and no government stamp of approval — just pure grit.
Trump defies court orders, continues to block climate funding
President Donald Trump has halted billions in Biden-era climate and infrastructure funds, despite court rulings ordering their release.
In short:
- Trump issued an executive order pausing spending from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, affecting clean energy, public transit and pollution cleanup projects.
- A federal judge ruled the freeze illegal, but the Trump administration has yet to comply, leaving funds in limbo.
- Many grantees, including nonprofits, schools and small businesses, face financial strain, with some at risk of shutting down.
Key quote:
“The general rule is that once Congress appropriates and directs the expenditure of money, the executive has always been understood to be bound by that command.”
— Aziz Huq, constitutional law scholar, University of Chicago
Why this matters:
The withholding of climate and infrastructure funds could send ripples through communities across the country, stalling projects meant to advance clean energy, modernize water systems and protect against the effects of climate change. From solar panel installations in sun-soaked states to water treatment upgrades in regions grappling with pollution, the funding freeze has left local governments, businesses and environmental advocates in limbo. With billions in federal dollars tied up, experts warn that crucial climate initiatives could lose momentum at a time when urgency is paramount.
Read more: Trump halts billions in Biden-era infrastructure funding with executive order
Biden-era climate funding faces rollback as Trump's EPA seeks to reclaim $20 billion
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will attempt to rescind $20 billion allocated for clean energy projects under the Biden administration, with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin citing concerns over rushed spending and limited oversight.
In short:
- Zeldin announced plans to terminate the EPA’s financial agreement with Citi, which was managing the distribution of the funds.
- The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader efforts to freeze federal climate funding, despite a court ruling requiring the release of grant money.
- The decision follows a covertly recorded video of an EPA official describing efforts to distribute funds quickly before the new administration took office.
Key quote:
“The days of irresponsibly shoveling boatloads of cash to far-left activist groups in the name of environmental justice and climate equity are over.”
— Lee Zeldin, EPA administrator
Why this matters:
The fight over climate funding underscores the deep political divide in U.S. environmental policy. As some lawmakers push to reclaim federal dollars allocated for renewable energy and climate mitigation, the uncertainty threatens to slow investments in clean technology and infrastructure projects nationwide. At stake are billions of dollars intended to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, modernize the power grid and support industries transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Related: Zeldin confirmed to lead EPA, setting the stage for regulatory rollbacks
Environmental groups prepare for legal battles against Trump administration
Environmental organizations are gearing up for a wave of legal challenges as the Trump administration moves to weaken climate policies, cut agency staff and roll back environmental regulations.
In short:
- The Trump administration has placed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staff on leave, cut funding for environmental programs and halted clean-energy initiatives.
- Legal experts say aggressive deregulation efforts could backfire, as rushed rule changes may be vulnerable to court challenges.
- Environmental groups are already taking legal action, focusing on emissions standards, offshore drilling bans and clean-energy funding.
Key quote:
“If you want to get anything done at EPA, you know, you need the expertise that career staff provide, and threatening, traumatizing and firing career staff is a sure path to undermine your own agenda.”
— Jeremy Symons, senior adviser at the Environmental Protection Network
Why this matters:
Efforts to weaken environmental regulations could leave a lasting imprint on air and water quality, climate policy and clean-energy investment. Such rollbacks, often framed as a way to reduce costs for businesses and industries, have historically led to increased pollution and long-term public health risks, which come with additional costs. Legal challenges may slow or halt some of these regulatory changes, as courts have played a crucial role in environmental policy disputes. However, litigation can take years, creating uncertainty for companies, local governments and environmental advocates.
Indigenous women call for climate justice at New Mexico gathering
Indigenous women, youth and activists gathered at the New Mexico State Capitol to demand action on climate justice, resource extraction and environmental health concerns affecting their communities.
In short:
- The event, Indigenous Women’s Day, focused on environmental justice, particularly the impacts of oil, gas and uranium extraction on Indigenous lands.
- Speakers linked resource extraction to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, calling for stronger protections for land, water and air.
- Advocates opposed a state proposal to use treated oil and gas wastewater for hydrogen production, citing concerns over water use and pollution.
Key quote:
“Water, land and air protection is a movement led by Indigenous women.”
— Julia Bernal, executive director of Pueblo Action Alliance
Why this matters:
Indigenous communities across the globe have long faced the consequences of environmental degradation at a disproportionate rate, often finding themselves on the frontlines of pollution, deforestation and resource extraction. Fossil fuel pipelines, mining operations and industrial waste have contaminated water sources, degraded sacred lands and exposed residents to heightened health risks. These struggles highlight a broader intersection of climate change, public health and social justice, as Indigenous leaders advocate for stronger environmental protections and the right to self-determination over their lands.
Related: The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report
Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Canada team up to address industrial pollution
Aamjiwnaang First Nation and the Canadian government launched a pilot project to tackle environmental racism after decades of pollution from Sarnia, Ontario's petrochemical industry.
In short:
- Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Environment and Climate Change Canada signed an agreement to address industrial pollution through a joint committee.
- The initiative stems from Bill C-226, which requires Canada to create a national strategy to combat environmental racism.
- Aamjiwnaang residents face benzene exposure levels 30 times higher than Toronto and Ottawa, leading to health concerns and emergency declarations.
Key quote:
“What we want for our community is clean air, less pollution, pristine waters, plants we can grow and not be afraid to eat.”
— Janelle Nahmabin, chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation
Why this matters:
Aamjiwnaang’s fight highlights how pollution disproportionately harms Indigenous communities and other communities of color. This agreement sets a precedent for addressing environmental racism across Canada. With high benzene levels linked to cancer and other health risks, stronger enforcement and pollution controls are critical for public health.
Musk's government efficiency team gains access to EPA contracts
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been granted access to the Environmental Protection Agency's contracting system, raising concerns about privacy and potential cuts to environmental programs.
In short:
- Musk’s team has “read-only” access to the EPA Acquisition System, which details millions of dollars in agency spending. They may flag contracts that conflict with Trump administration orders.
- Watchdog groups worry the team could access sensitive data, including employees’ and vendors’ personal information, without proper clearance.
- EPA employees face uncertainty as Trump’s orders have already placed 170 staffers on leave and frozen funds tied to Biden-era climate initiatives.
Key quote:
“There’s an unrelenting campaign to intimidate EPA employees.”
— Anonymous EPA staffer
Why this matters:
The federal government holds an immense trove of sensitive data, from environmental assessments to public health research, making it a prime target for cybersecurity threats and political scrutiny. Efforts to scale back environmental programs — often framed as cost-cutting measures — could erode protections designed to safeguard air, water and climate stability. Meanwhile, reports of staff fearing retaliation at agencies like the EPA reflect a broader climate of uncertainty, with career scientists and regulators caught between political pressures and their mandate to protect public health. The result is a workplace where anxiety runs high, potentially affecting the agency’s ability to enforce critical environmental policies.