January 20, 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.
Our Perspectives on Day One Pronouncements
Our lawyers are looking over the Trump administration’s day one pronouncements. We will be periodically updating this page today and in the days ahead.
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.”
On 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.”
On Withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement
President of Earthjustice
“Whether President Trump likes it or not, he is a climate president, leading during a time when our planet is warming at record speed from burning fossil fuels and extreme weather events are causing deaths, destruction, and bankrupting our communities.
“Backtracking on climate leadership will not stop Earthjustice from fighting for the equitable, clean energy future we need, even if this administration won’t.”
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.
Oregon Energy Victory Saves Consumers Millions, Makes Climate Progress
A new ruling will lower Oregon energy users' bills and curb a utility’s deceptive practices.
Earthjustice’s International Team Sees Glimmers of Hope Around the World
Lighting a path for climate and environmental progress that will come in 2025.