Environmental organizations are preparing to push back against the incoming Trump administration, expecting changes in oil and gas drilling and the repeal of Biden-era legislation. They predict Trump will focus on expanding drilling, reducing preserved federal land, and overturning key legislative accomplishments. The Cabinet picks reflect this agenda, with appointees supporting increased oil production. Environmental groups anticipate legal battles ahead and are already seeking donations to fund these efforts. The NRDC and Center for Biological Diversity have a successful track record of challenging Trump’s environmental policies in court.
Despite Trump’s disavowal of Project 2025, environmental groups anticipate the administration following its conservative roadmap, which includes achieving “American Energy Dominance” by expanding oil and gas production and repealing climate policies. Conservation groups also foresee a renewed fight over protected federal lands, like Bears Ears National Monument, which Trump reduced in size but was fully restored by Biden. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument may be targeted again, prompting environmental groups to prepare for potential litigation.
While there is concern over the environmental impact of Trump’s policies, some environmental policies, such as clean water initiatives, may face resistance from elected Republicans due to the economic benefits they bring to their districts. Despite the challenges ahead, environmental organizations are gearing up for legal battles and fundraising efforts to protect environmental protections and combat potential rollbacks by the incoming administration.
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