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People across the political spectrum want policies that improve their lives and communities and keep their families safe and healthy. Trump’s first Executive Orders—made just hours into his second term—will deliver none of those priorities for the American people.
What is an Executive Order?
An executive order (EO) is a directive from the President of the United States to one or more federal agencies. EOs allow the president to set policies for the Executive Branch, guide federal agencies, and clarify how laws passed by Congress should be enforced.
EOs cannot change court decisions, create new laws, override current laws, or contradict existing laws passed by Congress.
What can be done to fight against Executive Orders:
Some of the actions described in Executive Orders can be challenged in federal courts. It is up to the courts to review and invalidate executive orders that exceed the president’s authority.
Other decisions in Executive Orders rely on Congress for authorization and funding. Congress can also pass legislation to override or modify an Executive Order. However, with the filibuster in the Senate, any legislation would require 60 votes to move. The president can also veto any legislation. A veto requires a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate to override.
Public pressure and advocacy can raise awareness of the impacts of an executive order to build opposition. For instance, EOs often call for agencies to create, modify, or revoke environmental safeguards through a public process communities can influence. State and local governments can also issue executive orders that enforce different policies, making it more challenging for the federal government to enforce the order effectively.
Additionally, future presidents can rescind or modify executive orders issued by their predecessors, providing a potential path to undo their impacts.
Trump’s Climate Executive Orders Put Polluters Over People
Trump’s first executive actions trample basic environmental safeguards, silence frontline voices, and prioritize industry profits.
Mining and Drilling at All Costs: Opens up millions of acres of protected public lands to mining and energy drilling while limiting climate reviews, public engagement, and other safeguards.
Fast-tracking LNG Expansion: Restarts expedited reviews for proposed LNG export terminals, threatening Gulf Coast communities and environments with continued pollution.
Big Oil Giveaways: Undermines clean energy policies to benefit oil and gas CEOs, prioritizing profits over public health and safety.
National Energy Emergency: Declares an “energy and critical mineral emergency” to prioritize fossil fuels and fast-track oil, gas, and mining projects while limiting environmental review and public participation.
Environmental Justice Attacks: Revokes key environmental justice initiatives, including the Justice40 program, disproportionately harming low-income and frontline communities.
Paris Withdrawal: Withdraws the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, jeopardizing global climate efforts.
Earthworks will continue to stand up for communities and the environment. Subscribe to our email list for opportunities to take action.
