Attack on Our Environment

Friend of ACES, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy nerd, Brooklyn native and Co-Founder of Urban Ocean Lab. Horrified by the unravelling of important environmental protections, she has written a blog to document and help environmentalists and all citizens continue to work to help the planet. With her permission, here is her message.

Nine of the Executive Orders that President Trump signed on Day 1 of his administration specifically assault our environment and hinder our ability to address climate change. These orders will make our air dirtier, make people sicker, make energy more expensive, and make our communities less prepared for extreme weather. In summary:

1. The US bailed on the UN Paris Climate Agreement and ended all climate aid to foreign countries. 

2. We reopened protected waters to offshore oil and gas drilling and expedited permitting for development. 

3. We cancelled our commitment to protect 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. 

4. Halted indefinitely all offshore wind energy permitting, leasing and approvals and are  seeking to terminate existing offshore wind leases. 

5. A ‘energy emergency” was declared to allow fossil fuel projects to evade protections of the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

6. Revised NEPA regulations to gut Environmental Impact Statements hindering public engagement and judicial review. 

7. Eliminated Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding for renewable energy or climate related projects. 

8. Opened Alaska’s protected forests and waters to mining and drilling and cutting. 

9. We terminated [or will reevaluate] all policies that support EV adoption including the EV tax credit. 

10. Ceased support for household energy and water efficiency in appliances and water systems. Additionally, the orders exclude solar and wind energy from their definition of energy resources and more.

These actions put us all at risk and my list is not exhaustive. You may find them here whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions.

ACES believes we can make a BIG difference together. Team members invite you to stay updated on environmental matters by subscribing to our monthly newsletter via the “Join Our List” link on this page. Please consider joining our community of stewards who are committed to Make Every Day Earth Day by contacting acesnewburyport@gmail.com.

This educational column first appeared in The Daily News of Newburyport on January 31, 2025.