Earth Day sees anti-Trump protests across the US
Marches, protests, phone-banking events, film screenings, and more centered around environmental activism are being organized across the nation for Earth Day, on April 22.
Americans are taking to the streets around Earth Day to voice discontent against the Trump administration's "assault on our climate."
Earth Day protests have been occurring throughout the month concurrently with other large protest movements including the Hands Off marches, and Tesla Takedowns.
What are the Protests Against?
The protests are against the Trump administration's climate policies and climate change science rollbacks.
They are marching against the Congressional Republican budget reconciliation plan which, per the Union of Concerned Scientists, would "roll back the very clean energy policies that have proven so transformational to unlocking the next generation of the United States' economy."
Earth Day organizers have said that these efforts to roll back clean energy across the U.S. contradict the fact that Republican voters have directly benefited from the Biden era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which invested billions into Republican districts.
According to Earth Day activists, the IRA created "280 clean energy projects across 44 states, generating $282 billion in investments and nearly 175,000 jobs."
In addition to protesting against Republican climate plans, organizers have three topline demands: Defend workers and democracy, lower costs for communities, and make polluters pay—meaning, place higher taxes on oil companies, and invest that revenue into clean energy.
Activists are taking to the streets to demand investment in clean energy in the same month President Donald Trump passed an Executive Order to restore coal production.
The President has referred to coal as "clean coal," as it can be extracted with fewer environmental effects. However, "clean coal" still releases toxic emissions when burned.
Trump has said he "believes that coal is essential to our national and economic security."
In response to this, Earth Day founder Denis Hayes said: The Americans who voted for Trump because of the price of eggs did not think they were choosing a future of fires, floods, hurricanes, and rising seas. The vast majority want a solar future, not a return to 'beautiful' coal. Earth Day will make that clear."
Where are Protests Taking Place?
The protests are organized around Earth Day, stretching from April 18 to April 30. Given Earth Day is on a Tuesday this year, the largest mobilization event for the climate occurred on Saturday, April 19.
Although the national day of action was on April 19, there are copious events planned for Earth Day, April 22, including a rally in New York City for the NY HEAT Act—a priority law for New York environmental activists who say the bill will eliminate subsidies to the fracking industry and reduce energy bills—an Earth Fest in Munising, Michigan, and screenings of The Jungle, based on the Upton Sinclair book about food regulation, in several states including Iowa.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is a global day for collective environmental activism. Founded in 1970, Earth Day has now spurred over 1 billion people to campaign, march, and inspire others for climate action.
The first Earth Day in 1970 resulted in 20 million Americans successfully demanding the creation of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Earth Day also hosts yearlong activism and education initiatives, and its organizers have been involved in shaping environmental protocols. The UN chose to sign the Paris Climate Agreement on Earth Day.
What Are People Saying?
Kaniela Ing, National Director of the Green New Deal Network: "This Earth Day, we fight for everything: for our communities, our democracy, and the future our children deserve.
"Trump, Musk, and their billionaire allies are waging an all-out assault on the agencies that keep our air clean, our water safe, and our families healthy. They're gutting the programs and projects we fought hard to win—programs that bring down energy costs and create good-paying jobs in towns across America, especially in red states.
"So, we need to make sure the pressure continues and our protests aren't just a flash in the pan. When we stand together—workers, environmentalists, everyday folks—we cannot only stop them, but we can build the world we deserve."
Bill McKibben, Founder, Third Act: "Fifty-five years ago, a massive turnout on the first Earth Day forced a corrupt Republican administration to pass the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and create the EPA; let's do it again!"
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Earth Day: "Our Nation is blessed with abundant natural resources and awe-inspiring beauty. Americans are rightly grateful for these God-given gifts and have an obligation to safeguard them for future generations. My Administration is committed to keeping our air and water clean, to preserving our forests, lakes, and open spaces, and to protecting endangered species.
"Economic growth enhances environmental protection. We can and must protect our environment without harming America's working families. That is why my Administration is reducing unnecessary burdens on American workers and American companies, while being mindful that our actions must also protect the environment.
"Rigorous science is critical to my Administration's efforts to achieve the twin goals of economic growth and environmental protection. My Administration is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to a better understanding of our environment and of environmental risks. As we do so, we should remember that rigorous science depends not on ideology, but on a spirit of honest inquiry and robust debate.
"This April 22nd, as we observe Earth Day, I hope that our Nation can come together to give thanks for the land we all love and call home."