Trump's past actions and future plans regarding the environment

As some of you may be aware, I followed Trump's actions regarding the environment from the first day that he was in office - when he used his executive order to approve the DAPL pipeline to go through the Missouri River. Since then he and his Republican cabinet appointees (rich donors and fossil fuel execs) enacted over 100 actions that weakened environmental protections including: weakening the Air Pollution Policy; weakening the fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for passenger cars and light trucks; eliminating the methane emissions standards for oil and gas facilities; weakening the rule meant to reduce air pollution in national parks and wilderness areas; rescinding water pollution regulations for fracking on federal and Indian lands; weakening the National Environmental Policy Act (one of the country’s most significant environmental laws); ending the automatic application of full protections for ‘threatened’ plants and animals (the classification one step below ‘endangered’ in the Endangered Species Act); and scaling back pollution protections for certain tributaries and wetlands that were regulated under the Clean Water Act.

See the list of over 100 actions against the environment here: 
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/climate/trump-environment-rollbacks-list.html

If Trump is re-elected, he will do even more damage. Here are the plans if Trump gets in office. 

TRUMP'S PROJECT 2025 ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Gen Z is more likely to consider climate change a legislative priority than past generations. Young Americans overwhelmingly want to see their government take action to protect the environment and mitigate the potential impact of climate change. Instead of taking this action, Project 2025 proposes rollbacks of environmental protections and aims to undo Biden’s pro-climate actions.

According to Project 2025, an incoming conservative administration would:

-Rescind all climate policies from its foreign aid programs

-Cease collaborating with and funding progressive foundations, corporations, international institutions, and NGOs that advocate on behalf of climate fanaticism

-Repeal the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

-End the EPA’s focus on climate change and green subsidies

-Eliminate the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

-Eliminate the Clean Energy Corps by revoking funding and eliminating all positions and personnel hired under the program

-Direct the Department of Energy to “end the Biden Administration’s unprovoked war on fossil fuels, restore America’s energy independence, oppose eyesore windmills built at taxpayer expense, and respect the right of Americans to buy and drive cars of their own choosing” (page 286)

-Stop all federal grants to environmental advocacy groups

-Approve the 2020 Willow EIS, the largest pending oil and gas projection in the United States in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and expand approval from three to five drilling pads

-Withdraw the U.S. from the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement

-Reduce proposed fuel economy levels

-Rollback Biden’s executive orders on climate and energy, and reinstated the Trump-era Energy Dominance Agenda, which remove a series of environmental protections, including:

SO 3348: Concerning the Federal Coal Moratorium

SO 3349: American Energy Independence

SO 3350: America-First Offshore Energy Strategy

SO 3351: Strengthening the Department of the Interior’s Energy Portfolio

SO 3352: National Petroleum Reserve—Alaska;

SO 3354: Supporting and Improving the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program and Federal Solid Mineral Leasing Program;

SO 3355: Streamlining National Environmental Policy Reviews and Implementation of Executive Order 13807, “Establishing Discipline and Accountability in the Environmental Review and Permitting Process for Infrastructure Projects”

SO 3358: Executive Committee for Expedited Permitting

SO 3360: Rescinding Authorities Inconsistent with Secretary’s Order 3349, “American Energy Independence;”

SO 3380: Public Notice of the Costs Associated with Developing Department of the Interior Publications and Similar Documents;

SO 3385: Enforcement Priorities; and

SO 3389: Coordinating and Clarifying National Historic Preservation Act Section GEN Z’S GUIDE TO PROJECT 2025 from Voters of Tomorrow Please, share this blog with your environmentally conscious friends.

Dear Chief of Police....

I am becoming more and more concerned with the militarization of our police forces. I watched horrified as police in N. Dakota shot tear gas and water cannons at the peaceful Water Protectors who bravely stood up against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Isn't it against the law to use chemical warfare on civilians? Aren't police supposed to protect citizens, not greedy oil corporations? Some vets were so outraged that they headed to Standing Rock to make a human shield to defend the Water Protectors.

After several peaceful marches in Tucson, some activists and concerned citizens went to protest when President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Phoenix. Some, expecting a peaceful demonstration, brought their children. The next day, I watched a video of  Phoenix police, in full riot gear, shooting tear gas and rubber bullets into a relatively small crowd of chanting protesters after the Trump rally ended. This was definitely overreach by the police. Just because you have military surplus weapons at your disposal doesn't mean you should use them - especially on the people you are sworn to protect.  

Now our president has reversed the restrictions on military hardware for police. My fear is that if the police have the weapons they will feel compelled to use them - like they did at the Phoenix protest. So Dan and I decided to write the Phoenix and Tucson Chiefs of Police and ask them not to accept any more military surplus. 

Do we want a police state?

Here are our letters that we mailed this morning: 

Phoenix protest 

Dear Chief Williams,

I am writing regarding the Phoenix Police Department’s response to the anti-Trump protestors after the rally on August 22, 2017. I have several friends who drove to Phoenix to protest. Some were human rights activists, some were just good citizens. There were even some parents with children. Yes, children. Because they expected a peaceful protest like we had in Tucson. I am concerned about how the police handled the situation after the rally. This video shows what appears to be a serious overreaction by the police. https://www.facebook.com/RealNewsAz/videos/1987765628123220/

It appears that the officers on the line were being provocative with their full riot gear on and then they charged through the barriers and started firing tear gas at a small number of peaceful protestors who were doing nothing more than chanting slogans. Since when is it acceptable to use chemical weapons on civilians? Isn’t that illegal even in wartime? Is it your objective to promote martial law? Even if some of the protestors were yelling at the police that is no reason to escalate the situation. Your officers need training on how to deal with angry protestors and separate any anarchists from the crowd so things don’t escalate to a point where the destruction of property occurs. Actually listening to the citizens or talking it out can go a long way. But there is no chance for listening when cops shield themselves with helmets, face shields, gas masks, and ear plugs.

Why were peaceful protestors met with a line of police in riot gear in the first place? Can’t you see that the presence of heavily armed police could promote fear and anger that might incite a riot? Militarizing the police is not the way to deal with citizens expressing their right to free speech. It is the duty of the police to protect the people. In this time of civil unrest, it is more important than ever that the police build trust with the people they serve, not treat them like criminals or the enemy. In Tucson, we had a peaceful march and the police were there to protect us from angry haters. The police officers stood on the sides and we thanked them as we walked by. Police will be able to serve better, if they build trust by getting to know people – not through fear and intimidation. Building good relationships will encourage people to work with the police and report crimes in their neighborhoods, making our communities safer for everyone.

Now Trump has reversed the restrictions on military hardware for police. Please, don’t militarize our police. It will only encourage more violence and vandalism on the streets. The police are there to protect us, not to incite peaceful protestors into war.

Sincerely,
Jana Segal

Tucson march

Dear Chief Magnus,

I wanted to thank you and the Tucson Police Department for your professionalism and restraint. I have participated in a number of protest rallies since the election of President Trump. The crowds were large and, in some cases, angry; but it felt as though your officers were there to protect us from harm. They quietly kept the crowd under control, managed traffic, and were courteous and professional.

What a contrast to what we witnessed in Phoenix! There, the officers appeared to provoke a small group of noisy but peaceful protestors by showing up in full riot gear, forming a skirmish line, and aggressively advancing on the protestors, who were still behind the barricades the police had erected to keep them away from the Convention Center. When the protestors raised their voices in protest, they started firing tear gas. That is no way to deal with citizens. Again, the contrast with the professionalism of TPD is like night and day.

I recently saw news reports that President Trump has authorized the sale of additional military arms to police departments, including grenade launchers and bayonets. When, exactly, would a police force ever need to use either one of those?!!! I presume we can count on you to maintain your professionalism and not purchase any of these weapons, even if they are being offered to you by the Federal Government.

Thank you for your service protecting the citizens of Tucson.

Daniel P Stormont

Here are their addresses if you would like to write your own letter. 

Chief Williams

Phoenix Police Department

620 W Washington St

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Chief Magnus

Tucson Police Department

270 S Stone Ave. 

Tucson, AZ 85701-1917

Call the White House comment line today and demand an environmental review of the leaky Dakota Access Pipeline.

Huge news! A judge ruled against the Trump administration and ordered them to conduct a broader environmental review of the Dakota Access Pipeline!

This is a big moment in a long fight by the Standing Rock Sioux to protect the river that provides their drinking water. Prior to leaving office, President Obama ordered construction on the pipeline to stop while a thorough environmental review was conducted. Days after his inauguration, Donald Trump cut the public comment period short, ignored the voices of hundreds of thousands of Americans, and credited himself with "[having] the guts to approve the final leg [of DAPL]." Fortunately, it's clear that this fight is far from over, and we're not backing down. 

Citizens' support for the Standing Rock Sioux has been a key part of this fight. Now we need to show the Water Protectors that we still have their backs. Donald Trump recently said again that he still hasn't gotten any calls opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline, but we know he's wrong. Call the White House comment line today and tell them that Trump must listen to the Standing Rock Sioux, do the right thing, and shut down the pipeline. 

Making a call is easy, just follow these simple steps:

1. Call 1-202-816-6137.
   You'll hear an introductory message that will provide you with more information, and then you'll be connected with the White House comment line.


2. Use this sample script or speak from the heart:
   "Hi. I'm calling to ask President Trump and the Army Corps of Engineers to listen to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and do the right thing by shutting down this pipeline.The Dakota Access Pipeline has already had several spills in just a few weeks and jeopardizes the health and safety of the Tribe. The Army Corps must conduct a thorough environmental review this time and put a stop to this dangerous pipeline. Thanks."


3. After you make the call, prove Trump wrong and send him a tweet to let him know you called. Include a photo of yourself on the phone if you feel comfortable. Here's a sample tweet:
   Hey @realDonaldTrump! It's time for a new enviro review of Dakota Access. Listen to tribes this time! #NoDAPL

Last year, 15,000 people -- including veterans and hundreds of Tribes from around the world -- traveled to North Dakota to peacefully support the Standing Rock Sioux and oppose this dangerous pipeline. Their prayers and songs were met by a militarized police force using dogs, water cannons, rubber bullets, pepper spray, concussion grenades, and other tactics designed to intimidate, dehumanize, and invoke fear.

There's no question that a fair and comprehensive environmental review would show that this pipeline threatens the safety of every community it cuts through, including the ancestral lands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We must hold the Trump administration accountable for putting corporate profits over the rights and safety of Native peoples. Make a call to 1-202-816-6137 now.

- Lena Moffitt,  Our Wild America Campaign

Sign the Petition to Banks: Stop Financing DAPL and Tar Sands Pipelines

As the Dakota Access Pipeline keeps springing leaks, water protectors around the world are continuing to fight back. An Indigenous delegation is currently touring Europe to demand banks based there stop financing climate-killing pipelines.

These water protectors need our help - almost 100,000 people have signed on already. Can you take just a moment to sign on today to this multi-group petition supporting the Indigenous-led campaign?

Activists rallied in Sweden at the home of the Nobel Peace Prize, at over a dozen Chase Bank branch locations in Seattle, and on the terrace inside of Trump Tower in New York. 35 activists from Les Amis de la Terre France and ANV Nonviolent Action COP21 laid a “pipeline” inside a Société Générale branch in Paris. The action denounced the role of French banks in the construction of new oil infrastructure in the United States, especially the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Stand with Indigenous activists around the world — add your name to the #DefundPipelines petition. Our petition calls on the 17 biggest fossil-fuel financing banks to divest from the Dakota Access, Keystone XL, Trans Mountain, Line 3, Energy East, LNG, and other pipelines.

Sign here to add your voice to the call for big banks to divest from tar sands pipelines that threaten Indigenous rights, our climate and our sustainable future.

Army Corps of Engineers to permit the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe

Trump is bragging that no one called to protest his executive order to allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to be rushed through without proper investigation into the environmental impact.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced its intention to issue a permit for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline under Lake Oahe as soon as tomorrow. The Army Corps also stated that it would grant the easement without completing an environmental impact statement (EIS), a process that allows for public input.


Here's their contact information:

www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers

I just left a message.

Army Corps announced that it will allow the company to continue construction on the pipeline

Last week, raids and arrests continued as Water Protectors stood their ground against Trump's push to complete the Dakota Access Pipeline. And just now, the Army Corps announced that it will allow the company to continue construction on the pipeline.1

We need you to weigh in to stop this pipeline, which would cross the Missouri River and endanger drinking water for the indigenous Standing Rock Sioux and all others downstream.

We will be hand-delivering comments to the Army Corps in D.C. on Thursday, in protest of this decision.

Tell the Army Corps — Fulfill the commitment to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement on the Dakota Access Pipeline!

The 1,170 mile pipeline is projected to carry 500,000 barrels of oil underneath the Missouri River per day. Last December, President Obama announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would not grant Dakota Access the permit needed to drill under the Missouri River at Lake Oahe and complete construction of the pipeline.

The Army Corps has said they will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the river crossing and explore possibilities for alternative routes, but Trump has since ordered the Corps to expedite approval of the pipeline.2

Jana, your comment is needed to demand that the Army Corps completes the necessary environmental review on the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The Army Corps must carry out a full and robust environmental review — not only at the Lake Oahe location, but for the full length of the proposed pipeline route. The Corps must consult with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and evaluate how this pipeline would affect its drinking water, health, culture and way of life.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has already been routed away from Bismarck to protect the water supply of its majority white, affluent community. And the Army Corps has routinely ignored recommendations from the Environmental Protection Agency and moved forward with the project in spite of inadequate tribal consultation.

The Army Corps has an obligation as a federal agency to conduct a full environmental review — and we'll make sure they get the message loud and clear when we join the delivery this Thursday in D.C.

Please take a moment to submit a comment through our sister organization, Food & Water Action Fund, and tell the Army Corps to comply with President Obama's order for a full environmental review.


Thank you for weighing in,

Eleanor Bravo
National Pipeline Campaign Manager
Food & Water Watch
act(at)fwwatch(dot)org

---

1. U.S. Army to grant final permit for controversial Dakota pipeline: court filing, Reuters, February 7, 2017.
2. Army Says It Is Expediting Review of Dakota Access Pipeline Route, NPR, January 31, 2017.

URGENT: Dakota Access Pipeline approved, take action

Outrageous. The Trump administration just issued the final approval for the Dakota Access Pipeline, putting corporate profits above the safety and sovereignty of the Standing Rock Sioux. Trump is blatantly ignoring the environmental review and public comment period that the Army Corps of Engineers already started under the Obama administration.

The Standing Rock Sioux recently stated, "We stand ready to fight this battle against corporate interest superseding government procedure and the health and well-being of millions of Americans." We continue to stand with them.

Take action: Send a message to the Army Corps of Engineers to hold them accountable for putting Big Oil first by stopping the environmental review of the Dakota Access Pipeline!

In December, the Obama administration ordered an environmental review of the pipeline to study the effect it would have on the Standing Rock Sioux's sacred land and Lake Oahe, the body of water the pipeline would cut through. The public comment period opened in January, and since then, the Water Protectors and their supporters have already submitted more than 200,000 comments opposing the pipeline that the Army Corps has now chosen to ignore in favor of helping Big Oil.

This blatant disregard for the rights of the Standing Rock Sioux, the need for an environmental review, and for the democratic process of considering public feedback is unacceptable. Send a message to the Army Corps of Engineers now to show them that we will not be silenced!

By casting people aside for corporate polluter profits, Donald Trump continues to show what his White House stands for: corruption, bigotry, and greed. More than 300 tribes and millions of Americans will continue to stand united in opposition to this reckless project, and we are not backing down. We will continue to stand in solidarity with the movement that is challenging the fossil fuel status quo in so many places - from the Tribes fighting the Trans Pecos Pipeline in Texas, to the First Nations and landowners fighting the Keystone XL pipeline, to the landowners challenging the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, to the Gwich'in people standing up for continued protection of the Alaska Refuge. Our movement is strong, and it cannot be silenced by this administration's blatant prioritization of corporate profits over people's wellbeing.

Last year, 15,000 people -- including veterans and hundreds of Tribes from around the world -- traveled to North Dakota to peacefully support the Standing Rock Sioux and oppose this dangerous pipeline. Their prayers and songs were increasingly met by a militarized police force using dogs, water cannons, rubber bullets, pepper spray, concussion grenades, and other tactics designed to intimidate, dehumanize, and invoke fear.

There's no question that a fair and comprehensive environmental review would show that this pipeline will threaten the safety of every community it cuts through, including the ancestral lands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. We must hold the Army Corps of Engineers accountable for breaking their promise to Standing Rock and to the millions of people who supported them. Speak up by sending the Army Corps a letter now.

This is just the first step in our fight to hold the administration and the Army Corps of Engineers accountable, and we will continue to let you know how you can fight back. We will not back down.

Thank you for standing with Standing Rock,

Michael Brune
Executive Director, Sierra Club