President Trump has kept busy during the first month back in office, signing a flurry of executive orders, many of which hold meaning in regard to the state of the environment. The reversal of climate efforts made by past administrations may result in serious consequences to local and national environmental efforts.
Reversing sustainable orders
Trump’s initial weeks in the White House have brought much change to past policies. After signing a slew of executive orders, all addressing many different issues, many are left wondering of the implications some may have on the environment.
Not one, but several executive orders signed by President Trump will negatively affect the environment. Many involved reversing several past orders which all aimed to protect the environment and reduce climate change. Without these protections for our environment, individuals worry about the future of the planet.
Trump’s executive orders involving the environment
On Jan. 20, the president signed orders which halted the development of wind energy and ended “radical environmentalism.”
Trump’s decision to halt the development of wind energy was based on a number of reasons. The order listed several negative impacts of leasing and permitting on and offshore wind projects including: navigational safety interests, transportation interests, national security interests, commercial interests and marine mammals.
This order has the potential to cause harm to the environment because alternatives to wind energy result in carbon dioxide emissions.
“Wind energy in the United States helps avoid 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually—equivalent to the emissions from 73 million cars,” the U.S. Department of Energy stated.
Trump’s attempt to end “radical environmentalism” in regards to providing water to Southern California emphasized the importance of putting people over fish. The water is said to be provided from the snowmelt and rainwaters in rivers in Northern California. This was an action that was halted by past administrations.
“This catastrophic halt was allegedly in protection of the Delta smelt and other species of fish,” the executive order stated.
One of the most notable actions Trump has taken from an environmentalist standpoint was pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement. This is the second time President Trump has pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement. The 2015 agreement was between the United Nations, promising to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aid with climate change.
Trump has continued to sign other executive orders regarding the state of the climate and efforts which impact our planet. The future of the environment continues to be questioned on not only national levels, but also local levels.
Local implications
The orders enforced by President Trump have the potential to impact the local community. While nothing is certain, less funding and protections to the environment and environmental groups in the area may lead to a less-green Dayton. Withdrawal of the Paris Agreement means less emphasis on environmental protections and prioritizing sustainability. This withdrawal has left Dayton unsure of what the future of sustainability will look like for the city.
Tom Pritchard is Dayton’s Sustainability Coordinator, and has given statements on the topic.
“Currently, Dayton is working on gathering information about the precise nature of this administration's policy changes, executive orders [and more], and everyone is being strategic about how any response is communicated,” Pritchard said.
Dayton’s Public Works team has no comment on the matter at this time.
