An Earth Day Marked by Cuts and Inequality
By Johani Carolina Ponce
Earth Day 2025 is being commemorated amid significant changes in federal environmental policy. Since January 20, the Trump administration has taken steps that have modified or reversed environmental regulations adopted in recent years. Various sectors, including Latino organizations, have expressed concern about the potential impact of these decisions on communities that have historically been exposed to, for example, higher levels of pollution. “Trump’s actions have halted the transition to clean energy, increased costs for working families, and undermined our nation’s progress. Frontline communities, which disproportionately suffer from air pollution, extreme weather, and rising costs, will bear the brunt of these policies,” said Mark Magaña, president and CEO of GreenLatinos. These concerns are also reflected in recent decisions that directly affect environmental justice programs.
Environmental Justice in Question under New Policies
One of the Trump administration’s decisions was the elimination of the White House advisory team dedicated to coordinating actions on behalf of communities living near industrial sources, ports, or highways, such as African American and Latino communities. According to an Associated Press article, this team was disbanded as part of a broader restructuring. Trump eliminated the “Justice40” initiative created by the Biden administration, which required that 40% of the benefits of certain environmental programs go to the most impacted communities.
Various organizations have reacted strongly to the deactivation of these initiatives. LatinoJustice noted in a statement that adjustments to environmental justice programs could limit opportunities for participation and access to solutions for communities affected by air pollution and other environmental risks. “LatinoJustice PRLDEF remains steadfast in its commitment to challenging these harmful federal actions. We will continue to advocate for the health, well-being, and resilience of our communities, while working to strengthen environmental protections at the state and local levels.”
NOAA Cuts
The changes have not been limited to environmental justice policies. They have also reached the scientific field. The administration has proposed reducing funding for research activities at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including climate change studies and coastal resilience programs. Analysts and scientists have warned that these types of cuts could affect the collection of data relevant to preparing for extreme weather events.
Suspension of Spanish-language bulletins
This is compounded by a measure that has raised concerns in the Spanish-speaking community. It has been reported that NOAA has temporarily suspended the issuance of weather bulletins in Spanish. This measure has sparked debate around equitable access to essential information during severe weather events, especially in areas with large Spanish-speaking populations. “Translated weather alerts saved lives during a tornado outbreak in Kentucky in 2021. A Spanish-speaking family received an alert in English and ignored it because they didn’t understand it. When they received the same alert in Spanish, they immediately sought shelter. That translation saved their lives,” explained Joseph Trujillo-Falcón, a researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and former NOAA staffer.
Cancellation of Federal Agricultural Program
In the agricultural sector, there have also been setbacks. Another notable measure was the cancellation of a $3 billion federal climate-smart agriculture program. This program sought to promote sustainable agricultural practices across the country. The suspension was confirmed by the Department of Agriculture and reported by Reuters.
Delay or Cancellation of Community Initiatives
The consequences of these decisions are already being felt in communities that were expecting support for sustainable projects. New allocations of funds linked to clean energy projects in low-income communities have been halted while the use of funds approved by Congress under previous legislation is reviewed. Although the process continues, some local organizations have warned of delays that could hinder the progress of community initiatives.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Suspense
One of the most critical programs for vulnerable families has also been affected by cuts. In April 2025, the Trump administration laid off all staff from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a $4.1 billion federal initiative that helps millions of families pay their electricity and gas bills. This action has raised concerns among state officials and consumer advocates, as approximately $378 million in funds already approved by Congress have not yet been distributed to states. The lack of federal staff has left states’ ability to administer these funds uncertain, especially in preparation for summer cooling programs. Experts warn that this situation could put the most vulnerable communities at risk in the face of extreme heat waves.
Taken together, these actions paint an uncertain picture for environmental justice and equitable access to essential services. The commemoration of Earth Day offers a space to consider how government decisions influence the balance between development, sustainability, and community well-being.
