How President Trump Aims to Dismantle Environmental Protections
Apr 16, 2025
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Ethan Elkind, a climate law expert from UC Berkeley, delves into Trump’s executive orders threatening California's environmental policies. Abigail Dillen of Earthjustice discusses legal battles against these rollbacks. Lisa Friedman from The New York Times sheds light on the repercussions of these actions, particularly on federal agencies and research funding. Sonia Aggarwal, former Biden climate advisor, highlights the economic implications for clean energy and electric vehicles. Together, they explore the balance of power between state and federal authorities in combating climate change.
Trump's executive orders threaten California's climate initiatives, including its cap-and-trade program and electric vehicle policies, reversing significant state-led progress.
The decline in staffing and resources within federal environmental agencies compromises regulatory enforcement, risking increased pollution and public health issues.] }
Deep dives
Impact of Trump's Executive Orders on State Climate Policies
The recent executive orders issued by the Trump administration target various state climate policies, particularly in California, which has established stricter emission regulations and ambitious plans for electric vehicles. These orders are designed to hinder states from implementing their own climate initiatives by directing the Justice Department to prevent the enforcement of laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, significant state projects, like California's cap-and-trade program, which holds corporations accountable for their contributions to climate change, are threatened. This shift underscores a growing reliance on state-level actions to counteract the federal government's rollback of environmental protections.
Challenges Facing Clean Energy Initiatives
The Trump administration's attacks on clean energy initiatives have raised concerns about the future viability of electric vehicle production and renewable energy investments. Efforts to roll back federal funding and incentives, such as those provided under the Inflation Reduction Act, jeopardize the competitive edge of companies like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid, which rely heavily on carbon credits and governmental support. Without these incentives, the clean energy sector could suffer significant financial setbacks that might not only affect the companies involved but also inhibit broader progress toward creating a sustainable economy. The situation poses a dilemma for states that have pioneered clean energy policies, as they must balance local initiatives with the realities of a federally influenced market.
The Role of States Amid Federal Rollbacks
In response to federal efforts to dismantle environmental protections, states like California are uniquely positioned to lead the charge for climate action. These state-level governments can establish their own regulations and initiatives, providing a necessary buffer against the implications of federal rollback decisions. Even though the California government may face challenges from federal directives, it remains committed to advancing its climate goals, indicating that states can still play a crucial role in implementing effective policies. The resilience of state-level governance and the support of local communities can help mitigate the impact of federal actions and maintain progress toward sustainable solutions.
Concerns about Agency Staffing and Environmental Oversight
Layoffs and staffing cuts within federal agencies responsible for environmental oversight have created serious concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement. The diminishing number of experts in agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, undermines the government's ability to monitor pollution and implement necessary safety measures effectively. This loss of expertise not only weakens environmental protections but also limits the ability to collect vital data needed for informed decision-making regarding climate and public health. Consequently, the long-term implications of these cuts could lead to an increase in pollution and public health risks across vulnerable communities, particularly in states lacking robust environmental protections.
In a sweeping executive order, Donald Trump has taken aim at efforts by states, including California, to set their own environmental policies. At risk are key components of California’s fight against climate change including its cap and trade program to control carbon emissions and efforts to promote electrical vehicles. Trump’s order is just the latest in his moves to reverse climate change policies, including halting government research funding and gutting environmental agencies. As his head of the Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldin has said, the administration is “driving a dagger straight into the heart of the climate change religion.” We’ll talk about the impact of Trump’s approach to the environment and how California could respond.
Guests:
Ethan Elkind, director of the Climate Program at the Center for Law, Energy and the Environment, UC Berkeley School of Law; podcast host, Climate Break
Sonia Aggarwal, CEO, Energy Innovation - a non partisan think tank based in San Francisco that provides research and analysis on energy and climate policy; special assistant, to the President for Climate Policy, Innovation, and Deployment in the Biden administration.
Lisa Friedman, reporter on the climate desk, New York Times
Abigail Dillen, president, Earthjustice - a public interest law group focused on the environment
