Washington DC (February 24, 2025)— In response to the Trump administration’s executive order to dismantle environmental justice, weaken environmental protections, and ramp up oil and gas production, to name a few, Tefere Gebre, Greenpeace USA Program Director, said:
“President Trump’s decision to dismantle vital environmental justice efforts is a direct assault on vulnerable communities who already bear the brunt of the climate crisis. By rolling back these protections, he is opening the door to even more climate chaos, disproportionately harming low-income and communities of color. This is not just an environmental issue. The right to clean air, water, and a healthy environment is a basic human right that should never depend on where you live, your income, or your race. President Trump’s actions will only perpetuate the cycle of environmental racism and inequality.”
In the first week that the Trump Administration took office, it has rolled back more environmental and climate protections than any other presidential administration. In a time where climate crises are wreaking havoc across the nation, and protections are needed more than ever, Trump has left the country weakened and vulnerable. Communities in the U.S. are standing on the precipice of disaster, and Trump has abandoned them to buddy up with his billionaire friends. Trump’s litany of Executive orders is a clear signal that he is not putting America first, but instead, he is putting Billionaires first, and Americans must suffer and watch their country, their environment, and their communities be torn apart.
Trump began day one by rolling back executive orders from previous presidents that were critical to moving this country into a clean and just future and issuing new ones that will degrade the country. Included in these rollbacks and orders are:
ROI for Big Oil– Trump’s day-one executive orders reveal everything we need to know about where his administration’s loyalties lie. They reflect the priorities of his major donors, not the American public. During his campaign, Trump openly requested $1 billion from Big Oil. Executive orders like declaring a “national energy emergency” and rubber stamping more LNG exports are the prize—seemingly a quid pro quo—rewarding fossil fuel billionaires who financed his political rise.
Pulling Out from the Paris Agreement: Trump announced plans to exit the Paris Agreement again. Other nations have committed to staying in and leading in the absence of the U.S.
Halting EV Programs: Trump signed an order putting a pause on funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, undermining the shift toward electric vehicles.
Creating an Unnecessary Water Diversion in California: Trump reignited the conflict over water diversion in California, framing it as a choice between protecting the delta smelt and providing water to Californians. The order didn’t address broader drought and fire management issues. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/emergency-measures-to-provide-water-resources-in-california-and-improve-disaster-response-in-certain-areas/
Attacking Immigrants: Trump declared emergencies around immigration, despite declining illegal immigration numbers, to justify military deployment and border wall construction. The orders target policies like the CBP One app, “Remain in Mexico,” and terminate humanitarian parole policies, potentially causing humanitarian consequences.
Halting Offshore Wind Turbine Leasing: Trump’s order suspends approval for offshore wind turbine projects and could revoke existing permits. Faces opposition from Republicans in wind-energy-rich states and contradicts key industries and governors’ interests.
Gutting the Green New Deal: Trump’s order attempts to withhold funds from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This conflicts with the Impoundment Control Act and could lead to a significant legal battle in the courts.
Detailing a Destructive Course for Alaska: Trump plans to boost drilling, mining, and logging in Alaska’s pristine environment.
Rolling back Environmental Justice Protections: The Trump administration has erased a decades-old requirement for federal agencies to consider the environmental and public health consequences of their decisions on people of color and low-income communities.
