March 24, 2025
Where the Trump Administration is Going and Where We Stand
We stand for clean air, clean water, a safe and stable climate. These are common expectations, shared across the political spectrum and strengthened over time within our laws.
The Trump administration is moving to undo years of popular progress we have made. People across this country don’t want dirtier air. We all worry about more superstorms and deadly wildfires. No one wants more toxic chemicals in our drinking water. Yet that’s where the administration’s actions will take us. When they break the law, Earthjustice will take them to court.
We will defend the progress we have made and keep moving forward.
How we are holding the Trump administration and Congress accountable — while making progress in states, in public utility commissions, and overseas:
MARCH
Mar. 24
State Could Lock in Biden-era Coal Ash Rules, as Trump EPA Considers Rollbacks
“I’m thrilled to see that Maryland is stepping up, because we’re going to need the states to hold the line and enforce the federal rule. In a couple of years, those federal regulations may not be on the books.”
— Lisa Evans, senior counsel in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program. (On Earthjustice’s work to clean up toxic coal ash)
Mar. 24
Closing the GRAS Loophole: How FDA Can Protect Us From Dangerous Chemicals in Our Food
If the Food & Drug Administration really does intend to revise its Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Rule and to take seriously its responsibility to protect the safety of our food, we are sharing our expertise on what it can and should do.
“This loophole has swallowed the rule — virtually all new food chemicals have been added to our food through this provision.”
— Peter Lehner, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program
— Carrie Apfel, Deputy Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program
Mar. 21
Maryland Public Service Commission Rules Washington Gas Light Misled Customers
In customer bill inserts, the utility falsely promoted gas as “clean energy” and downplayed environmental harms.
“People deserve to have accurate information about how methane gas harms our air and our planet, and it’s great to finally see the gas industry held accountable.”
— Susan Stevens Miller, senior attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program
Mar. 20
Federal Court Allows NYC Building Electrification to Begin
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed legal challenges to New York City’s 2021 Local Law 154. The law leads the way to all-electric buildings.
“Science shows that indoor pollution harms our health and jeopardizes our grandchildren’s future, and this decision helps New York City secure the cleaner buildings and cleaner future we need.”
— Meagan Burton, senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Northeast Office
Mar. 19
Congress Wants to Keep a Carcinogen Ravaging our Communities in Use — We Can’t Let That Happen
Lawmakers are trying to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ban on trichloroethylene (TCE) — a chemical tied to cancer, birth defects, and Parkinson’s disease.
“This is not a hypothetical threat. TCE is in the water of military bases, schools, and residential neighborhoods.”
— Daniel Savery, Senior Legislative Representative with Earthjustice’s Policy and Legislation team
Mar. 18
Tenth Circuit Affirms Public’s Right to Access Millions of Acres of Public Land
The decision protects the right to access public land via corner crossing, which refers to stepping from one piece of public land to another over a corner shared with private land.
“This case was about a multi-millionaire trying to prevent access to public lands so he could have it for himself.”
— Tom Delehanty, senior attorney with Earthjustice’s Rocky Mountain Office
Our Clients: Great Old Broads for Wilderness, GreenLatinos, Sierra Club, Western Watersheds Project
Mar. 18
Trump Administration Signals It Will Attack Two National Monuments
The Trump administration indicated that it would try to rescind the national monument status of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands, two popular monuments in California.
“The Chuckwalla National Monument holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance — not just for the Quechan, but for our sister Tribal Nations who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial.”
— Zion White, Tribal Councilman for the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
Mar. 14
Trump Guts Environmental Justice Policies, but the Fight for Justice Continues
The administration is slashing initiatives meant to help communities of color and low-income communities facing high pollution burdens.
“They [the Trump administration] are not just saying we’re eliminating the programs. It’s: ‘We don’t give a damn about the environment at all or people’s lives or the health impacts across the country.”
— Maria Lopez-Nuñez, the co-founder of Agency, a nonprofit organization that builds community capacity for environmental justice fights
Mar. 13
We’re Suing Trump for Abandoning Federal Funding Promises
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of nonprofits and small farmers, seeks a court order requiring the administration to fulfill its financial commitments and release Inflation Reduction Act funds.
“If contracts aren’t honored and farmers can no longer trust the government, I’m worried about what that means for the future of farming.”
— Laura Beth Resnick, owner of Butterbee Farm, a regenerative flower farm in Maryland
Our Clients: Butterbee Farm, Cultivate KC, Faith In Place, GreenLatinos, Hendrix Farm, One Acre Farm, Red Fire Farm, Two Boots Farm
Mar. 12
Trump EPA Moves to Gut Health and Safety Regulations
EPA chief Lee Zeldin announced plans to roll back 31 public health and safety regulations and initiatives that are backed by science and the law.
“The Trump administration seems determined to take us back to a time when our air was so polluted it was unsafe to breathe, and our waters were so toxic they caught on fire. They are telling us that greenhouse gas pollution doesn’t cause harm, but ask any climate disaster victim if they feel safer adding more carbon pollution into the air.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice
Mar. 7
He Worked to Clean up Superfund Sites. The Trump Administration Fired Him.
Actions to undercut the EPA’s effectiveness will harm everyone.
“The job itself was amazing. It was an absolute dream come true. Day in and day out I was able to serve my country. I was so proud to be a federal employee doing work that aligned well with my morals, ethics, and value system.”
— Zubin Kapadia, former attorney-advisor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mar. 7
Scrubgrass Cryptomining Facility to Expedite Removal of Toxic Coal Ash ‘Mountain’
The unnpermitted massive coal ash pile — growing for years near the Allegheny River — will now be removed fourteen months ahead of schedule, preventing toxic contamination.
“Coal ash has impacted Pennsylvania’s environment for decades. Cleaning up this enormous ash pile is an important step to address this threat.”
— Charles McPhedran, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program. (On Earthjustice’s work to clean up toxic coal ash)
Our Clients: Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), Scrubgrass Creek Watershed Association
Mar. 6
Trump Administration Moves to Redo Chemical Disasters Safety Protections, Putting Millions at Risk
“Chemical explosions force entire neighborhoods to evacuate. First responders have died rushing into disasters they weren’t warned about. Workers have suffered burns, lung damage, and worse, all because companies cut corners to save money. The EPA should be implementing its chemical disaster safety, not rolling it back.”
— Adam Kron, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Washington, D.C., Office. (On Earthjustice’s work to strengthen chemical disaster safety protections)
Mar. 5
Earthjustice Statement on President Trump’s 2025 Joint Address
“People from coast to coast are already feeling the impacts of his chaotic polices that will have reverberations on our economy, health, and planet for decades. But we will not give up our fight.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice. (How Earthjustice is fighting the Trump administration to protect our environment)
Mar. 5
State Climate Laws are Beacons in Trump’s Smog
Earthjustice is using New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and other groundbreaking state laws, to continue making climate progress.
“New York has unique leverage in the fight against fossil fuels because of our climate law. That, coupled with the power of local stories and grassroots activism, has a lot of power.”
— Liz Moran, Policy Advocate in Earthjustice’s Northeast Office. (How Earthjustice has made progress using the CLCPA)
Mar. 4
“In its rush to end congestion pricing, the Trump administration is selling a flimsy excuse to try and make an end run around what the laws require. But the administration’s explanations don’t add up, and we’re confident that the courts are going to see through them just as easily as most New Yorkers do.”
— Dror Ladin, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Northeast Office
Our Clients: Riders Alliance, Sierra Club
Mar. 4
For Indian Country, Federal Cuts Decimate Core Tribal Programs
“There’s certainly a lot of trepidation in Indian Country because so many tribal programs rely on federal funding. These are absolutely legal obligations based on the federal trust responsibility.”
— Gussie Lord, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Tribal Partnerships Program in an interview with Stateline
Mar. 3
Florida Power & Light Proposes Higher Rates
“This would be the largest rate increase in United States history, and that’s why we’re fighting it.”
— Bradley Marshall, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Florida Office in an interview with WLRN Public Media. (How Earthjustice is working in public utility commissions for clean, affordable electricity for all)
Mar. 2
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice, in an interview with The New York Times. (How Earthjustice is fighting the Trump administration to protect our environment)
Mar. 1
Earthjustice Responds to Executive Order Targeting Forests
The order seeks to increase timber production, erode Endangered Species Act protections to speed approval of timber sales, among other measures — all of which could result in widespread clear-cutting of federal forests.
“This executive order sets in motion a chainsaw free-for-all on our federal forests. Americans treasure our forests for all the benefits they provide, such as recreation, clean air, and clean drinking water. But this order ignores these values and opens the door for wild lands to be plundered, for nothing more than corporate gain.”
— Blaine Miller-McFeeley, Senior Legislative Representative on Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation Team
FEBRUARY
Feb. 27
The Trump Administration is Targeting National Monuments
How Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s six secretarial orders threaten monuments, people, and the environment — and how we’ll defend our country’s cherished national monuments.
Feb. 26
The Endangered Species Act is responsible for saving 99% of protected species from perishing.
“Chair Westerman claims the ESA is not being implemented effectively, to the detriment of projects getting approved, but President Trump just fired hundreds of federal workers who are directly responsible for moving those projects forward.”
— Addie Haughey, Legislative Director on Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation Team
Feb. 25
Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area Protected from Industrial Development, Lawsuit Alleges
The pipeline will carry captured CO2 through the protected Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area into a proposed carbon storage facility proposed under Lake Maurepas. The state has given a private company a shortcut through public lands.
“This land was meant to be preserved for the enjoyment by citizens of Louisiana, including for recreation. There are laws that protect it from being developed for industrial purposes — like a carbon dioxide pipeline.”
— Rodrigo Cantú, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Gulf Regional Office
Our Client: Healthy Gulf
Feb. 24
Trump USDA Sued for Erasing Webpages Vital to Farmers
The lawsuit seeks a court order requiring USDA to restore access to key webpages and preventing USDA from removing additional climate-related information. The outcome of this lawsuit will have implications for the Trump administration across agencies.
“USDA’s irrational climate change purge doesn’t just hurt farmers, researchers, and advocates. It also violates federal law several times over. USDA should be working to protect our food system from droughts, wildfires, and extreme weather, not denying the public access to critical resources.”
— Jeffrey Stein, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program
Our Clients: Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) are represented by Earthjustice and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University.
Feb. 24
Fort Peck Tribes, Conservation Groups Move to Defend Yellowstone Bison Plan in Court
Adopted in 2024, the plan increases the number of bison allowed in the park and prioritizes the restoration of bison on tribal lands. Yellowstone bison are a link to the millions of Plains bison that once supported the cultural, spiritual, and nutritional practices of countless Indigenous communities for millennia.
“We recognize the importance of working in partnership with the National Park Service, as they have always done with our local community and the state. It is for that reason we support their Bison Management Plan, which strikes a fair balance for all involved.”
— Karrie Kahle, Conservation Director for Park County Environmental Council, Earthjustice client
Our Clients: Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, National Parks Conservation Association, Defenders of Wildlife, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, Park County Environmental Council
Feb. 21
Another Victory for Grizzly Bears and Bull Trout in Flathead National Forest
“The focus now shifts to what the agencies will do to limit the impacts of roadbuilding on grizzly bears and bull trout.”
— Benjamin Scrimshaw, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Northern Rockies Office
Feb. 21
How much do we subsidize cryptocurrency mining’s electricity use?
Crypto mines have raised electricity rates for households while receiving big discounts and subsidies. Earthjustice attorneys analyzed company and utility filings in order to compare average electricity rates to the discounted rates of specific crypto mining companies in five states.
“Local regulators and utilities need to consider the impact of crypto mines on our communities, grid, and electricity rates. Earthjustice attorneys will continue to represent local clients in the courts and before utility commissions to protect residential and small business owners.”
— Mandy DeRoche, Deputy Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program. (About the environmental impacts of cryptocurrency mining)
— Jacob Elkin, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program
Feb. 20
Legal Intervention Defends Powder River Basin Coal Leasing Decision
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe, alongside Tribal and conservation groups, filed a motion to join a lawsuit to defend the Biden administration’s 2024 decision ending new coal leasing on public lands in Wyoming and Eastern Montana’s Powder River Basin. The motion to intervene is especially important as the Trump administration is unlikely to defend the Biden-era decision.
“We cannot meet 21st century energy needs on a 19th century fuel source.”
— Jenny Harbine, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Northern Rockies Office
Our Clients: Diné C.A.R.E., Tó Nizhóní Ání, Center for Biological Diversity, Montana Environmental Information Center, Northern Plains Resource Council, Sierra Club, Western Organization of Resource Councils, and WildEarth Guardians are represented by Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and the Western Environmental Law Center. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe is represented by Ziontz Chestnut.
Feb. 19
National Environmental Policy Act Eviscerated; Communities Pay the Price
The White House Council on Environmental Quality eliminated all of the rules that implement the National Environmental Policy Act, the foundational law that protects people and the environment. The law often provides the only opportunity for impacted people to participate in government decision-making that bears directly on their health and prosperity.
“This move won’t improve decision-making or make the government more effective. Tossing out the rules that have been in place for 50 years is a recipe for chaos and gridlock.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice. (Read full statement.)
Feb. 19
We’re Suing to Block Trump’s Illegal Ocean Drilling Plan
Earthjustice filed the first major environmental legal challenge against the new Trump administration. There will be more to come. Amid a flurry of anti-environment executive orders on his first day in office, Trump issued an order to revoke former president Biden’s protection of millions of acres of undeveloped public waters from future oil and gas drilling. Read the legal document.
“We defeated Trump the first time he tried to roll back protections and sacrifice more of our waters to the oil industry. We’re bringing this abuse of the law to the courts again.”
— Steve Mashuda, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Oceans Program. (Read full statement.)
Our Clients: Oceana, Center for Biological Diversity, the Surfrider Foundation, Greenpeace, Healthy Gulf, Northern Alaska Environmental Center, Alaska Wilderness League, and Turtle Island Restoration Network. Plaintiffs Sierra Club and the Natural Resources Defense Council are each representing themselves.
Feb. 19
On Trump Admin. Attempts to Pull Federal Approval of NYC Congestion Pricing
“They have said from day one that they just don’t like congestion pricing, and now they’re trying to justify their hostility by going out on a legal limb that no court has ever endorsed.”
— Dror Ladin, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Northeast Office
Feb. 17
On Interior Dept. Plans to Advance Trump Admin.’s Energy Agenda
The plans, which so far have not been released to the public, will have major implications for how oil-and-gas and mining extraction on federal lands could be reshaped under the new Trump administration. Earthjustice legal experts pointed out that a directive was buried in these orders that appears to lay the groundwork for new attacks on national monuments.
“The American people — the rightful owners of these lands — have been kept out of the loop. Interior should immediately disclose these plans and invite public feedback.”
— Andre Segura, Vice President of Litigation at Earthjustice. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Feb. 17
The Ninth Circuit reversed Guam District Court’s decision, which insulated the Air Force from accountability for violating its duty to consider environmental impacts, alternatives to blowing up hazardous waste explosives on Tarague Beach.
“The Air Force’s open detonation operations are contaminating our land and water with their toxic waste. We must fight to protect and preserve our aquifer, our food resources and traditional fishing grounds, our sacred sites, and our coastlines that contain traditional medicines for us and for the future generations of Guåhan.”
— Monaeka Flores of Prutehi Guåhan, Earthjustice client
Feb. 17
On Enbridge’s Line 5 Wisconsin Reroute and Water Quality
“The blasting materials themselves could be hazardous and introduce hazardous components to the water.”
— Stefanie Tsosie, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Tribal Partnerships Program in an interview with Wisconsin Public Radio. Earthjustice is representing the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Feb. 14
We Will Not Just Watch Our Government Get Dismantled
The Trump administration is gutting federal funding and attacking the public servants who are critical to making our government function. What these agencies do for you, and the threats they are facing.
“These workers ensure we have clean water to drink and electricity to power our homes and drive cities’ economic growth through infrastructure projects and job creation. These firings will cause widespread, tangible harm across the country and must be stopped.”
— Raúl García, VP of of Policy & Legislation at Earthjustice. (10% of the Forest Service was dismissed, at a time when drought and wildfire risk are at their highest.)
Feb. 14
The Trump administration’s agenda to repeal Roadless Rule protections on the Tongass doesn’t square with a popular vision of sustainable local economies dependent on intact forest ecosystems.
“The Roadless Rule helps keep the transition to sustainable, resilient communities moving forward, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to keep it in place and why Earthjustice, along with our co-counsel NRDC, will keep fighting in court on behalf of our clients to defend it. Earthjustice’s clients are a diverse coalition of Alaska Native, tourism industry, and environmental organizations.”
— Kate Glover, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Alaska Office. (About the Trump administration's Alaska-specific executive order.)
— Blaine Miller-McFeeley, Senior Legislative Representative in Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation Team (About the Tongass and the Roadless Rule.)
Feb. 13
Oil and Gas Advocate Picked to Lead BLM
“They claim that the federal bureau should be required to sell oil and gas leases whenever the industry wants them. If they have their way, then places that get leased to the oil industry under the Trump administration won’t ever be the same after they get drilled.”
— Mike Freeman, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Rocky Mountain Office, in an interview with Four Corners Public Radio. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Feb. 13
An EPA Rule Will Reduce Lead in Drinking Water — Unless This Effort to Block It Succeeds
“You’re going from a much stronger [drinking water] regulation to a weaker one and as a result, lots and lots of children and adults and fetuses are all going to be threatened with really irreversible health harms.”
— Julian Gonzalez, Senior Legislative Counsel in Earthjustice’s Policy & Legislation Team, in an interview with Inside Climate News. (What Earthjustice is doing to prevent lead poisoning)
Feb. 12
On Senate Budget Reconciliation Resolution
The resolution will direct congressional committees of jurisdiction to make deep funding cuts to pay for President Donald Trump’s border, energy, and tax priorities.
“Even though projects are breaking ground, funds are out the door, and companies are making record investments in all 50 states, Republicans are playing politics at the expense of their own constituents.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice. (What Earthjustice is doing in the 119th Congress)
Feb. 12
Defending a Landmark Rule to Advance Zero-Emissions Water Heaters & Boilers
Earthjustice filed a motion to intervene in a gas industry lawsuit designed to harass the South Coast Air Quality Management District and stop the agency from passing rules that will lead to significant electrification of equipment in commercial and industrial buildings.
“This lawsuit is straight out of the gas industry’s playbook, using the same law firms and front groups to do their dirty work and force Californians to rely on a polluting product.”
— Candice Youngblood, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. (How we will electrify everything and power it all with 100% renewable energy.)
Our Clients: People’s Collective for Environmental Justice, Sierra Club, Industrious Labs
Feb. 12
With emergency order, could Trump force Connecticut to use more fossil fuels?
“If any emergency exists, I think that it is continued over-reliance on fossil fuels, which is exactly what the purpose of the executive order is. The entire thrust of the emergency order is to promote dirtier, and also what we know to be more expensive, energy sources.”
— Christie Hicks, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program, in an interview with the Hartford Courant. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Feb. 12
On Nomination of Kathleen Sgamma to Head Bureau of Land Management
Currently the President of the Western Energy Alliance, an oil and gas trade organization that advocates for increased oil and gas production on public lands while cutting critical lands protections, Sgamma authored the energy section of the Project 2025 chapter about the Interior Department.
“Sgamma’s nomination sends a clear message that our public lands are up for sale to the highest bidder.”
— Drew Caputo, Vice President of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, Oceans at Earthjustice. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Feb. 12
Long Beach City Council Votes to Electrify Its Garbage Trucks
Diesel garbage trucks are big culprits of both climate and air pollution. Electric refuse trucks are quieter than their diesel counterparts, while emitting zero pollution. Long Beach becomes the second city in California to electrify 100% of its garbage truck fleet.
“This is exactly the type of action we need from our local leaders.”
— Fernando Gaytan, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Right To Zero campaign. (How we will electrify everything and power it all with 100% renewable energy.)
Feb. 11
“Donald Trump can [declare] an energy emergency — but the truth is, we make our energy policies state by state, and we make them kind of trial by trial.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice, in an interview with Patagonia. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Feb. 6
On Closure of EPA Environmental Justice and Civil Rights Office
“Up until three weeks ago, there was long-held consensus that the EPA’s role was to protect us from harmful pollution and toxic exposures. Notwithstanding the overt cruelty of this decision, no one wants an unhealthier and more polluted America, coopted by industry.”
— Patrice Simms, VP of Litigation for Healthy Communities at Earthjustice
“What continues to motivate me is my tremendous respect and appreciation for the people on the front lines of pollution and exposures. I work really closely with communities across the country who are in very real ways, fighting for their lives, fighting for their families, fighting for their well-being, and fighting for their communities.
“And these aren’t people who are getting paid to do this. These are people who are doing this because they have to. They’re doing this because they’re watching their children get sick. They’re doing this because they’re watching their communities die.”
— Patrice Simms, VP of Litigation for Healthy Communities at Earthjustice, in an interview with Living on Earth
Feb. 6
On Attacks on Critical DOJ Environmental Division
President Trump gutted the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice. The ENRD represents the government’s interests in environmental cases. Its apolitical career civil servants offer tremendous skill and expertise in U.S. environmental law and regulation.
“Attorney General Bondi’s attack on them is not just an attack on our health and our environment, but an attack on our national integrity.”
— Sam Sankar, Senior VP of Programs at Earthjustice. (How the ENRD impacts you.)
Feb. 6
Learn what the OMB does, and about the newly confirmed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Feb. 5
Judge Upholds Ruling Limiting Wolf Trapping, Snaring in Idaho
“This decision is a victory for life to exist in our natural world. It also acknowledges that we as a society must be careful when our actions have unintended consequences. We have a responsibility to the greater good.”
— Clinton Nagel, President of Gallatin Wildlife Association, Earthjustice Client
Our Clients: Center for Biological Diversity, Footloose Montana, Friends of the Clearwater, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Global Indigenous Council, the Humane Society of the United States, International Wildlife Coexistence Network, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Sierra Club, Trap Free Montana, Western Watersheds Project, Wilderness Watch, Wolves of the Rockies
Feb. 5
Lawsuit Challenges Federal Approvals for New Oil, Gas Drilling on California Public Lands
Most of the new wells will be drilled near homes and residential areas, in direct violation of California’s new oil and gas setbacks law that prohibits drilling within 3,200 feet of sensitive locations to protect public health. The Bureau of Land Management rubber-stamped its approvals without allowing public comment, in violation of federal law.
“We’re going back to court for what are now becoming routine violations and disregard of our country’s laws and California’s Valley communities. These wells don’t exist in a vacuum, and neither do the people who are forced to endure years of polluted air that makes them and their families sick.”
— Michelle Ghafar, Attorney in Earthjustice’s California Office
Our Clients: Center for Biological Diversity, The Wilderness Society, Friends of the Earth, Sierra Club, Central California Asthma Collaborative
Feb. 3
Court Sends Strong Reminder that Presidential Executive Orders Must Follow the Law
A North Dakota judge vacated the “Phase II” Council on Environmental Quality regulations, essentially reverting the National Environmental Policy Act’s implementing regulations to a different set of rules adopted during the first Trump administration.
The district court decision contained strong language confirming that presidents cannot use executive orders to circumvent the laws that Congress enacts. President Trump has already issued dozens of executive orders, and taken other actions, that violate this mandate — including several that further weaken NEPA and other environmental laws. The court wrote:
“People fought to separate these powers in a new form a government. People died for this new government because they saw what happened when all the power was held in one hand. Power can be taken by force, given, or lost inch by inch. It is the job of Congress to enact the law. It is the job of the President to enforce the law.”
Our Clients: Attorneys from Earthjustice and Silvix Resources represent Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Environmental Health, Center for Food Safety, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Environmental Protection Information Center, Food & Water Watch, Fort Berthold POWER, Friends of the Earth, Green Latinos, Labor Council on Latin American Advancement, Mālama Mākua, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Ocean Conservancy, Peoples Collective for Environmental Justice, Rio Grande International Study Center, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, The Wilderness Society, and Winter Wildlands Alliance as defendant-intervenors.
Feb. 3
D.C. Court Denies Tyson Food, Inc.’s Efforts to Avoid Liability
In a decisive ruling, the Superior Court for the District of Columbia allows to move forward the legal challenge to Tyson’s sustainability claims as unlawful greenwashing. Tyson has repeatedly represented to consumers that it will be net-zero by 2050 and that it has a climate-smart beef program, all while not even knowing the full scope of its own emissions and investing only small amounts to reduce emissions.
“We, along with partner organizations, decided to call Tyson’s bluff, challenging their sustainability claims as unlawful greenwashing under D.C.’s consumer protection law. Consumers have a right to make purchases that reflect their values, and they deserve correct and not-misleading information on which to base those choices.”
— Carrie Apfel, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program
Our Clients: Environmental Working Group is represented by Earthjustice, FarmSTAND, Animal Legal Defense Fund, and Edelson PC
JANUARY
Jan. 31
What Trump’s Really Up to With His Response to L.A. Fires
The Trump administration is treating the costliest fire in U.S. history as an excuse to move forward with projects that have been on his administration’s wishlist since its first term in office.
Earthjustice has more than two decades of experience litigating to protect the San Francisco Bay Delta, the web of life it supports, and the human communities that depend on it. We are prepared to take up this fight again — and to set the facts straight about what the Trump administration aims to do.
Jan. 30
Duke Energy Asks Trump Admin. to Rollback Pollution Regulations
“The letter is bluster with no punches, thunder with no lightning… Many of these demands have already been litigated in federal court, and industry lost. The public record reveals that nearly all coal plants have contaminated groundwater with dangerous toxic chemicals above federal standards.”
— Lisa Evans, Senior Counsel in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program, in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times
Jan. 29
On EPA’s Dismissal of Critical Science Advisory Boards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fired all members of two key advisory panels, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee and Science Advisory Board. The EPA gave no justification for their dismissal.
“This purge of independent science advisors is a blatant attack on the integrity of the EPA and a dangerous step toward sidelining science in favor of political agendas. These scientists’ work confirms reality: air pollution kills people and harms the environment. Firing these scientists doesn’t change that reality.”
— Seth Johnson, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Washington, D.C., Office. (How scientific advisory panels impact you.)
Jan. 29
An ‘Extinction Committee’ Is Just the Beginning of Trump’s Attacks on Endangered Species
President Trump is trying to undermine the Endangered Species Act by invoking a rarely used provision that empowers a committee comprised of the president’s own appointees to decide the fate of endangered species. Across 14 presidential administrations, Earthjustice has used this law to protect imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which we all depend.
“It seems like they believe that the God Squad can wave its hand and declare a particular species no longer within the protection of the Endangered Species Act…. That’s not how the process works at all.”
— Drew Caputo, Vice President of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, Oceans at Earthjustice Earthjustice, in an interview with The New York Times
Jan. 28
Ensuring the Survival of the Florida Scrub-Jay
The only bird species found exclusively in the state of Florida, the Florida Scrub-Jay was listed as a federally threatened species in 1987 because its population had dropped dramatically due to habitat loss. Scrub-Jays are cooperative breeders, forming family groups that defend territories and raise new chicks together.
“We take the lawsuit seriously, given the threat that that argument poses to the Endangered Species Act and the uncertainty of how the Trump administration will respond to it.”
— Aaron Bloom, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Biodiversity Defense Program, in an interview with Politico
Our Clients: Florida Wildlife Federation, American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida
Jan. 28
GOP States, Utilities Seek ELG Filing Extension, Citing Trump Energy Executive Order
“The technology is out there to achieve greater reductions of pollution. And EPA can’t avoid that regardless of which administration is in.”
— Thom Cmar, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Midwest Office, in an interview with Inside EPA. (About the 15-year legal fight to curb toxic wastewater to protect drinking water.)
Jan. 28
Pushing Clean Energy Solutions: PUC probes future ability of electric grid in Pennsylvania
“As concerns rise about the threat of the coming administration to climate work, this win is a good reminder that there is still much progress that can be made at the local level and at our Public Utility Commissions to transition us away from fossil fuels and toward the future that our clients like POWER envision.”
— Devin McDougall, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program, in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer. (Making the case before PUCs for a faster, fairer transition to clean energy)
Jan. 28
10 Ways We’ll Fight the Trump Administration to Protect Our Environment
From committing government to climate action to removing toxic lead from our lives, Earthjustice will defend everyone’s right to a healthy environment.
Jan. 28
Judge Tosses Legal Challenge to Biden’s Arizona National Monument
“We’re pleased that the court rightly rejected this far-fetched attack on Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument. We stand ready to defend all national monuments from any future attack by the current president.”
— Heidi McIntosh, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Rocky Mountain Office, in an interview with Politico. (About the Antiquities Act and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument)
Jan. 27
We Must Stop Defending Industrial Agriculture by Assuming We Have No Choice
“Industrial agriculture doesn’t feed the world. It feeds itself, perpetuating a cycle of overproduction, sickness, and environmental degradation — and taxpayers foot the bill with tens of billions of dollars of direct subsidies every year.”
— Peter Lehner, Managing Attorney of Earthjustice’s Sustainable Food & Farming Program
Jan. 27
Governor Green Faces Lawsuit Challenging Water Commission Appointment
The loea seat was created by law to ensure representation of Native Hawaiian water management principles in commission decisions. The plaintiff coalition also includes youth who recognize the importance of the loea position for their future.
“The governor’s likes and dislikes do not justify him disregarding the legally mandated process and making up his own rules. The law does not allow the governor to scrap the committee’s recommendations because they do not suit his political agenda.”
— Harley M. Broyles, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Mid-Pacific Office
Our Client: Hui Kānāwai ‘Oia‘i‘o
Jan. 24
Defending California’s Advanced Clean Cars II Waiver
“The fossil fuel industry and its allies are attacking California’s longstanding ability to clean up tailpipe pollution with life-saving new car standards.”
— Paul Cort, Director of Right to Zero at Earthjustice. (On the first Trump admin.'s attempt to revoke California’s waiver.)
Our Clients: Several of the nation’s leading environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, represented by Sierra Club and Earthjustice, filed a motion to intervene.
Jan. 23
Trump’s Sweeping Moves To End Environmental Justice Programs Sparks Sharp Criticism
“The executive order frames the right to clean air and water as a ‘merit-based opportunity’ — that is frankly dystopian.”
— Deena Tumeh, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Washington, D.C., Office, in an interview with Inside EPA
Jan. 23
In Maryland, Energy Affordability is Within Reach
“This legislative session, the General Assembly can rein in utility spending, increase energy affordability, and secure Maryland’s energy future.”
— Susan Stevens Miller, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program
Jan. 23
Trump Unveiled His Fossil Fuel Agenda. We’ll Fight for a Clean Energy Future Instead.
The American public collectively own the public lands that Trump’s orders would auction off to fossil fuel companies. Earthjustice is prepared to hold this administration accountable as it tries to back away from climate action.
Jan. 22
Colorado PUC Approves Black Hills Clean Heat Plan, Mandates Statewide Beneficial Electrification
A landmark decision approves portfolio of resources focused on energy efficiency and beneficial electrification. This is one of the first instances in the nation where a gas-only utility will be required to support electrification for all of its customers.
“The PUC sent a clear message that Colorado’s gas-only utilities cannot opt-out of electrification, which is a crucial part of the clean energy transition.”
— Michael Hiatt, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Rocky Mountain Office. (Making the case before PUCs for a faster, fairer transition to clean energy)
Our Client: Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
Jan. 22
Lawsuit Filed Against NYS-DEC and Caithness Gas Plant for CLCPA Violations
The Caithness Long Island Energy Center, located in Yaphank, is home to the massive gas-burning Caithness power plant — one of the largest single sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the state of New York.
“We’re talking about decades of pollution that these communities have had to endure. Right now they’re doing nothing. … To us, that means the DEC is sending the message that they don’t care about the health and well-being of these communities.”
— Gilbert Zelaya, Attorney in Earthjustice’s Clean Energy Program in an interview with Newsday
Our Clients: Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group (BLARG), Long Island Progressive Coalition (LIPC), Sierra Club
Jan. 21
Trump Wants to Unleash Energy, as Long as It’s Not Wind or Solar
“Perhaps the biggest race for the future is who will command clean energy. Even if you want to see more drilling, if you’re in the majority of Americans, you also want to see clean energy move forward.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice, in an interview with The New York Times. (How we will continue to make climate progress.)
Jan. 21
The Trump Administration Abandons Climate Action, But Crisis Remains
President Trump declared an “energy emergency” as a rationale for expanding oil, gas, and coal production on sensitive public lands. Earthjustice is prepared to hold President Trump and members of Congress accountable for walking away from climate action at this critical moment. See where we’ve made climate progress — and how we’ll defend it.
“Backtracking on climate leadership will not stop Earthjustice from fighting for the clean energy future we need, even if this administration won’t.”
— Abigail Dillen, President of Earthjustice
Jan. 20
As Trump Takes Office Again, Earthjustice Is Ceding No Ground
The Trump administration and the Republican majority in Congress do not have a mandate for poisoned air and water, more cancer and asthma, or spiraling climate chaos. People expect their elected leaders to deliver on the basics of health and safety. Earthjustice will be there to hold President Trump and members of Congress accountable.
Our Perspectives on Day One Pronouncements
On the Administration’s First Day in Office
President of Earthjustice
“While not surprising, it is no less alarming that the Trump administration wasted no time in rolling back overwhelmingly popular, life-saving policies.
“People want policies that safeguard clean air and clean water and protect them from climate-fueled extreme weather. The President’s job is to protect the people, not corporate interests. The flurry of executive orders today will increase industry profits but don’t lower costs for people or dig us out of the many crises we face as a country.
“We will keep fighting in court to ensure we all have the protections we need and deserve.”
Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images
Trump Administration Abandons Climate Action
In his first hours back in office, President Trump ordered a series of actions that abandon U.S. climate leadership at home and abroad. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, pushed to greatly expand fossil fuel production, and attacked clean energy. See where we’ve made climate progress — and how we’ll defend it. Read full analysis.
On Executive Actions Targeting Public Lands, Waters for Fossil Fuel Extraction
Executive orders issued by the Trump administration seek to rob the American people of millions of acres that belong to them so they can be auctioned off to the fossil fuel industry. Earthjustice is prepared to hold this administration accountable. Read full analysis.
VP of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife, Oceans
William Campbell / Corbis via Getty Images
On Executive Orders Detailing a Destructive Agenda for Alaska and Its Communities
The Trump administration’s policy wish list for Alaska was delivered in an Alaska-specific executive order, as requested by Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, and embedded in other executive orders, including one that repealed more than 78 orders issued by the Biden administration.
Managing Attorney, Alaska Office
“Alaska is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet — a trend that is wreaking havoc on communities, ecosystems, fish, wildlife, and ways of life that depend on healthy lands and waters. That reality requires us to create economic opportunities that respect the lands and people of Alaska and benefit all.
“Earthjustice and its clients will not stand idly by while Trump once again forces a harmful industry-driven agenda on our state for political gain and the benefit of a wealthy few.”
Gary Braasch / NWF
On Immigration Executive Orders
President Trump issued numerous executive orders on immigration. The orders include the declaration of a so-called national emergency on immigration, as well as various measures to increase deportations, expand detention, and attempt to end birthright citizenship.
President of Earthjustice
“President Trump’s executive actions on immigration will upend communities, sow fear across this country, and result in widespread civil rights violations and humanitarian harms.
“We witnessed the devastation caused during Trump’s first administration — from family separation and the detention of young children in makeshift prisons to attempts to dismantle the foundation of our asylum system.
“We stand with our partners in the immigrants’ rights movement and the communities we represent to push back against an administration emboldened to launch even more repressive and extremist attacks.”
Getty Images
On an Executive Order to Rollback Environmental Justice Protections
The Trump administration signed an executive order to disband the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council.
President of Earthjustice
“President Trump’s actions are an attack on communities across the country that are on the frontlines of deadly pollution.
“With these initiatives, he will allow more pollution in our communities. This means more cancer clusters, more asthma attacks, bigger hospital bills and ultimately, more deaths among Americans.
“Access to clean air, water, and energy should not depend on your zip code, race or income. By rolling back efforts to address historic underinvestment and overburden in communities of color and low-income communities, President Trump is putting good health and prosperity out of reach for millions of people.
“Earthjustice will keep fighting alongside communities who continue to demand justice.”
Hannah Benet for Earthjustice
Joint Statement from the Climate Action Campaign
The member organizations — Center for American Progress, Earthjustice, Environmental Defense Fund, League of Conservation Voters, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists, and WEACT for Environmental Justice — represent more than 15 million people across the U.S.
Climate Action Campaign
“President Trump’s actions on the first day of his new administration will compromise the health and safety of communities, increase costs for Americans and leave our families more vulnerable to increasingly severe and more frequent extreme weather events.
“Our organizations and the millions of members we represent across the United States stand united in opposition to these actions.
“People across the political spectrum voted to improve their lives and their communities, to afford everyday goods and services, to have good paying jobs, and to keep their families safe and healthy.
“The energy actions President Trump has taken today will deliver none of those things for the American people, while moving our country in the wrong direction on fighting the climate crisis and its impacts that are already responsible for higher prices of groceries and energy, catastrophic storms and deadly heat waves, and health harms from fossil fuel pollution.”
On Gutting Protections Against Lead
President Trump ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to block hundreds of millions in federal funding to states for lead service line replacement. In Congress, Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL) introduced a resolution to eliminate new protections against lead in drinking water.
Lead pipes poison the water of millions of people in the United States. Earthjustice has worked for years alongside our partners and clients to strengthen lead protections. We won’t back down. Read full analysis.
Paul Sancya / AP
Every one of our clients gets top-tier legal representation, free of charge. And we win. Which is why your support is so crucial. We can’t keep fighting for our planet without your help.
Where we can make progress
We plan to double down on our non-federal work. Read more about how we are making big strides on climate at the state level, in public utility commissions, and overseas.
3 Reasons to Be Hopeful About the Courts
Here’s why we remain confident that the courts are a place where we can mount an effective defense of the environment.
New York’s Climate Law Is a Beacon in Trump’s Smog
While the administration denies climate science, Earthjustice is using groundbreaking state laws to continue making climate progress.
Earthjustice’s International Team Sees Glimmers of Hope Around the World
Lighting a path for climate and environmental progress that will come in 2025.