New executive orders and their impact on climate and the environment

In recent days, many of you have seen or heard about the new administration’s slate of executive orders. While several of these orders warrant close attention, we’re focusing on those with the most significant implications for climate and the environment: the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the “Unleashing American Energy” executive order.

Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement

One of the most concerning orders seeks to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision would place the U.S. among a small group of nations—alongside Iran, Yemen, and Libya—that remain outside this global pact. The agreement is designed to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.

If this order proceeds, it will mean abandoning the ambitious goal of reducing toxic emissions by 66% by 2025. Additionally, it will halt promised payments to under-resourced countries, funds that were critical for helping these nations transition to clean energy solutions. However, it’s important to note that this move will not affect the U.S.’s participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Misleading Messaging: The “Unleashing American Energy” Executive Order

Another key executive order, titled “Unleashing American Energy,” may sound promising, but its implications tell a different story. This order instructs agency heads to halt the disbursement of funds allocated through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The IRA, passed under the previous administration, was a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at investing in clean energy projects and addressing climate-related challenges, particularly in Black, Brown, and low-income communities through the Justice40 initiative. Under the new order, agencies must submit spending reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the National Economic Council, aligning their disbursements with the new administration’s vision for energy policy.

Declaring an Energy Emergency

The new administration has also declared a national energy emergency. While this may sound urgent and necessary, it’s being used as a pathway to bypass permitting and approval processes. This declaration could fast-track fossil fuel production projects while excluding cleaner energy sources, further solidifying reliance on nonrenewable resources.

What You Can Do

These are just a few of the executive orders that demand our attention. We encourage you to review the complete list of executive orders to understand their full scope and implications.

It’s also worth noting that several of these orders will likely face legal challenges, which could alter their implementation and impact. We will continue to monitor the viability and consequences of these actions because these decisions affect not only the present but also the environmental future of our communities and our planet.

Climate and Environment Resources

Jovita Lee, Ed.D. is the policy director for Advance Carolina and convener of the North Carolina Black and Brown Policy Network. Her advocacy and policy work focuses on environmental justice for Black and Brown communities, operating on both state and national levels.