How To Take Action To Protect The Environment (Under Trump)

Over the course of his campaign and during his short time in office, Donald Trump has long positioned himself as an opponent of the environment. He has previously stated that Climate Change is a hoax invented by the Chinese and as president has already set a precedent in which concerns about the environment are pushed aside in favor of benefitting the oil industry. Below, we’ve compiled ways to take action for each of the major environmental issues currently at stake. This article will be consistently updated as new information emerges, so be sure to check back to find the latest up-to-date information on how to stay involved with any new environmental initiatives on the national agenda.

If you’re concerned about National Parks:

In a recent executive order, Donald Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to review any national monument created since 1996 and spanning at least 100,000 acres, with the intention (according to Trump) of ending “another egregious use of government power.” As of yet, the exact outcome of the review has yet to be determined, but Trump has expressed in the past a desire to change the boundaries of national monuments and “free it up.”

The order has brought under scrutiny 27 national monuments, including Giant Sequoia, the Sonoran Desert, and the Ironwood Forest. Nothing has been decided as of yet, so it’s important to make your concerns heard. Here’s how to get involved:

— Submit your concerns directly to the Department of the Interior.

— Contact your representatives if you are in one of the affected states. Trump has stated he wants governors and local powers to have more say over what happens to these areas, so don’t be afraid of reaching out.

If you’re concerned about #NoDAPL and the Keystone Pipeline:

In his first week in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order allowing the Dakota and Keystone Pipelines to proceed with the project. Though construction of the North Dakota Pipeline has already begun, leaks are already being reported, and activists are still urging the public to remain vocal in their opposition. Here are a few ways you can take action:

— Donate to the Sacred Stone Legal Defense fund.

— Urge your bank to divest if it is currently funding the pipeline project.

— If you live in any of the states the pipeline will cross, call your representatives.

— Sign the petition on Change.org.