A Community United: Advocating for Clean Energy in Uncertain Times
In the last few weeks, I have seen a community of advocates from all walks of life come together in defense of environmental values and progress that so many have fought hard for. We see those values questioned daily, as the Trump administration takes a haphazard approach to dismantling progress. There is a level of uncertainty that this creates, particularly for frontline communities that are feeling the impact of high energy bills and poor health outcomes due to fossil fuel pollution. Our support for each other as a community of advocates is more important than ever. I truly believe how we organize in this moment, against these ruthless executive actions, will determine the legacy we leave behind.
Monday, January 20, 2025, and in the following days a number of Executive Orders relating to energy were signed that turned back the clock on environmental justice policies. The American Civil Liberties Union has a write up that explains, “What is an Executive Order and How Does it Work?”
- *Executive Order: Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions
This order aims to revoke several policies from the previous administration labeling them as divisive and detrimental to the nation’s interests. The Justice40 Initiative, which mandated that at least 40% of the benefits of certain federal investments must flow to disadvantaged communities was rescinded along with the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. These decisions will change how federal agencies operate, no longer delivering 40% of the benefits of federal climate and infrastructure investments to disadvantaged communities. - Executive Order: Unleashing American Energy
This order promoted energy exploration on federal lands and waters to strengthen the U.S. supply of energy, and placed an immediate pause on disbursement of funds appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The IRA included programs and grants like Solar For All, that support equitable access to solar for frontline communities. Since then two courts have issued Temporary Restraining Orders instructing the administration to unfreeze funds. - Executive Order: Declaring a National Energy Emergency
President Trump declared a national energy emergency citing an inadequate amount of domestic energy production and infrastructure as a threat to national security. The order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to expedite the development and distribution of domestic energy resources, including the use of federal lands. The stated goal is to enhance U.S. energy independence.
*This is not a complete list of Executive Orders relating to the environment and clean energy. Please check out this resource from The Climate and Clean Energy Equity Fund and Just Solutions titled: Trump’s Inaugural Executive Orders January 2025 for a more comprehensive list.
The Executive Orders listed above, along with others, create a tall order for advocates to tackle and have created a lot of confusion and uncertainty. There was fear around loss of funds and potential investigations. Nonetheless, communities and clean energy advocates are rising to the occasion and continuing to forge a path despite federal barriers. There have been lawsuits filed to challenge the legality of some executive orders, space created to talk about challenges and needs, education for elected officials on the benefits of programs like Solar For All, and efforts to educate U.S. Representatives and Senators. Most of all, the shared responsibility of delivering 100% clean energy to everyone unites us.