Environmental organizations are gearing up to push back against the incoming Trump administration, expecting policy changes that prioritize expanding oil and gas drilling, reducing federal land preservation, and repealing Biden-era legislation. The organizations are preparing for legal battles and soliciting donations in anticipation of Trump’s agenda, which they predict will be more aggressive than his first term. Trump’s Cabinet picks and previous actions are seen as early indicators of his environmental agenda, prompting concerns and preparations from conservation groups.
Conservation groups are particularly focused on protecting federal land, such as Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which may be targeted for dismantling by the new administration. Despite the expected challenges ahead, some environmental policies related to clean energy investments and clean water protection have bipartisan support, potentially making it difficult for the administration to dismantle them. Environmental organizations are also wary of Trump’s potential alignment with conservative policy recommendations, such as Project 2025, and are actively preparing to counter any threats to environmental protections.
Legal advocacy groups like the Natural Resources Defense Council and Lawyers for Good Government are working to ensure that funding for clean energy projects under Biden’s legislation is protected from being clawed back. The organizations are ready to challenge any attempts to weaken environmental protections in court, drawing from past successes in fighting Trump’s agenda. While expecting significant legal battles ahead, conservation groups remain committed to defending environmental protections and ensuring that conservation efforts continue despite anticipated challenges from the upcoming administration.
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