Since taking office in the White House, President Donald Trump has implemented a series of budget cuts that affect key environmental programs.
His focus favors the expansion of fossil fuels, weakening regulations on clean energy, national parks, emergency management, and environmental justice.
These adjustments, included in his budget proposal, have raised concerns among environmentalists and experts.
Main sectors affected by environmental cuts
According to information published by the AP agency, the most significant reductions include:
Clean water
The budget foresees a cut of 2.46 billion dollars in funds allocated to drinking water and sanitation infrastructure.
These resources fund municipal treatment plants, wastewater treatment systems, and improvements in water quality.
National Parks
The government plans to reduce 1.2 billion dollars in the National Park Service, affecting:
- Historic preservation.
- Recreation grants.
- Maintenance and security in protected areas.
The reduction in personnel and budget will impact the operating hours and conservation in various parks.
Meteorological research
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), responsible for the National Weather Service, has experienced mass layoffs.
The budget cuts 1.5 billion dollars in:
- Operations and infrastructure.
- Climate research.
- Meteorological satellites.
Trump seeks to disengage governmental support for the fight against climate change, blocking measures from the Green New Deal, an initiative promoted by the Democrats.
Environmental justice
The proposal eliminates 100 million dollars allocated to environmental justice programs, affecting communities in highly contaminated areas.
Additionally, it cancels the “Justice 40” initiative, which ensured that 40% of environmental benefits reached vulnerable sectors.
Infrastructure Law
Trump proposes to repeal 15 billion dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, impacting:
- Expansion of electric vehicles.
- Modernization of roads, bridges, and sewage networks.
- Initiatives for domestic manufacturing.
FEMA funds for emergency management
The budget cuts 646 million dollars allocated to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides assistance in storms, fires, and floods.
An environmental policy in dispute
The changes driven by the Trump Administration consolidate an approach contrary to climate regulation, strengthening the use of coal, oil, and gas at the expense of renewable energies.
This political shift marks a departure from previous environmental policies and opens an intense debate on the long-term effects.
