January 20, 2025
Washington, D.C. – Newly inaugurated President Trump took immediate action to roll back environmental protections and advance a fossil fuel agenda by declaring an energy emergency and releasing a flurry of energy-related executive orders on his first day in office.
Despite these federal rollbacks, ELPC’s work at the state level remains an avenue for progress. Public utility commissions, governors, and state legislatures hold significant authority over clean energy, climate solutions, and environmental protections.
“Safe, clean water to drink and healthy, clean air to breathe are core environmental values overwhelmingly supported by the American public. On Day One of his administration, President Trump is departing from his campaign support for pure, clean air and clean water. He has turned around to issue new executive orders and regulatory plans that would drag America back to the past when coal was king, leaded gas was the norm, and our children played with toxic toys,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of ELPC. “Americans can do better than this.”
“ELPC will continue working toward a cleaner and safer future by defending against these misguided proposed federal rollbacks of core environmental safeguards and by going on the offense in the Midwest states to achieve more environmental progress.”
“ELPC will hold the new administration accountable for its policies that threaten our environment, the Great Lakes, and public health. The ELPC staff is rolling up our sleeves to protect the Midwest’s environment, people, communities, and vital natural resources.”