How Environmental Groups Are Prepared to Fight Trump

Environmental Groups Prepare to Face Trump’s Second Term

Environmental groups are gearing up to counter the policies of a potential Trump administration, especially in light of his promised deregulation efforts and intentions to roll back climate policies.

Key Strategies:

1. Organized Coalitions:

   • Environmental groups have formed more organized and collaborative coalitions over the past eight years, preparing for any potential regulatory changes. This includes coordinated efforts with state and local governments to advance climate policies[1][4].

2. Legal Preparation:

   • Groups have been reviewing legal strategies from his first term and are sharpening their legal tools. Many have been successful in court, winning a significant percentage of their cases against the Trump administration[1][4].

3. Regulatory Watch:

   • They will closely monitor government actions, particularly at the EPA, where previous administrations have stacked scientific advisory panels with industry loyalists rather than independent scientists. This includes following the regulatory agenda of the EPA[1][4].

4. Public Engagement:

   • To rally public support, environmental groups plan to engage with the community, drive member engagement, and encourage donations. They believe that public pressure can significantly impact policy decisions[1][4].

5. Foia Operation:

   • Companies are launching massive FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) operations to ensure transparency and acess to public records. This method helps uncover information about potential regulatory changes before they happen[1].
6. Courts as a Strategy:
   • Environmental groups are prepared to use the courts as a primary tool to challenge Trump’s deregulatory agenda. They have experience with litigation and believe they can be successful in pushing back against extreme policies[4].

Reaction to Trump’s EPA Pick:

Donald Trump has chosen former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA in his second term. Environmental groups have rapidly responded with criticism, citing Zeldin’s limited environmental record and his stated intent to side with industry over public health protections[2].

Quotes from Environmental Leaders:

• Jonathan Pershing: "This is much less of a surprise than it was the last time. The consequence of that is that there’s been a great deal of planning, a great deal of scenario work, a great deal of thinking on how to reflect on the last time this happened."[1]

• Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez: "We know the climate crisis under the Trump administration could be accelerated. We are determined to do everything possible to stop that from happening, to make sure that the incredible gains under the Inflation Reduction Act will be defended." [1]

• Manish Bapna: "We’re ready. We have a plan to fight against any and all efforts to harm public health, climate action, and the environment. We’re going to use every lever we have to defend people and nature." [1]

Conclusion:

Environmental groups are well-prepared to face potential deregulation and rollbacks under a Trump administration. With stronger coalitions, refined legal strategies, and public engagement campaigns, they aim to protect environmental policies and public health from the impacts of a Trump-led EPA.