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Director's Picks

The Trump Cabinet nominees who could decide our climate future

Summary

President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees signal a sharp turn toward fossil fuel expansion and climate deregulation. Key figures, including fracking executive Chris Wright for the Department of Energy and former congressman Lee Zeldin for the Environmental Protection Agency, are poised to rollback Biden-era climate policies. Others, like Doug Burgum for the Department of the Interior, may prioritize oil and gas drilling on public lands. The administration's agenda includes scaling back renewable energy support, loosening environmental regulations, and weakening climate-related initiatives across multiple federal agencies. Critics warn this shift could undermine U.S. climate goals, increase greenhouse gas emissions, and hamper global climate agreements. While state and local governments may counterbalance federal policies, the Cabinet’s composition reflects a broader effort to dismantle key climate programs. Environmental advocates express concern about the potential long-term impacts on climate resilience and environmental justice.

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April 17, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

A Tulane study confirms long-standing claims that Black communities in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley" suffer disproportionate pollution while being excluded from both high...

April 11, 2025
Climate
Climate

A $378 million funding delay to LIHEAP after mass HHS layoffs threatens vital cooling aid for low-income Americans amid intensifying heat waves.

April 9, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

A federal appeals court ruled a lawsuit can proceed against St. James Parish, Louisiana, for alleged racist land-use policies...

April 9, 2025
Climate
Climate

Trump administration terminated NASA's contract supporting staff for the U.S. National Climate Assessment, potentially crippling its development...

April 9, 2025

President Trump rescinded federal flood standards requiring climate-resilient rebuilding, raising concerns that taxpayer-funded infrastructure...

April 6, 2025

The Trump administration plans to close the Community Relations Service, a Justice Department office created in 1964 to mediate racial tensions, sparking concerns...

April 5, 2025

The USDA resumed clean energy grants but encouraged recipients to strip diversity and climate goals, raising concerns about political interference and uncertainty over funding...

April 4, 2025
Civil Rights & Human Rights
Civil Rights & Human Rights

The article reflects on Dr. King’s enduring legacy, urging continued resistance against systemic oppression through community building, political courage, and cultural...

April 3, 2025

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs).

April 2, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Trump administration is halting federal support for climate-friendly transit projects in Democratic-led states, threatening funding...

March 31, 2025
Food & Water Justice
Food & Water Justice

A $1 billion groundwater pipeline project to supply booming Central Texas cities has ignited a legal battle over aquifer rights, exposing the limits...

February 28, 2025
Economic Justice
Economic Justice

Climate disasters cost U.S. farmers over $20 billion in 2024, yet most federal aid favors large commodity producers...

March 19, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) stresses that low-carbon farming is essential for Northern Ireland’s climate goals.

March 19, 2025

The UN's World Meteorological Organization reports that the past decade was the hottest on record, with 2024 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit.

March 17, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

Trump’s vow to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, some Republicans and business leaders back its clean energy tax credits...