NEPA has long been a target of polluting industries, particularly the fossil fuel industry.
Dismantling the law could have devastating consequences for local communities across the nation.
The Ironbound neighborhood of Newark,New Jersey, is one such community.
Demonstrators march for clean air in the Ironbound section of Newark, New Jersey, on April 20, 2024.© Brian Branch Price/ZUMA
NEPA is a fundamental tool used by residents to protect public health and safety.
But it is not the only one.
Baptista is trying to show me a local community garden a few blocks from her parents house.
Unfortunately, were stuck behind a massive eighteen wheeler truck blocking the small neighborhood street.
A few blocks later, we hit another street clogged this time with a fossil fuel tanker truck.
Baptista laughs when I ask if the trucks belong here, before answering an unequivocal, no.
Baptista reminds me that almost none of the commercial and industrial operations taking place here service her community.
NEPA is there for a purpose, says John Reichman, a well-known New York attorney.
On his first day in office, Trump signed theUnleashing American EnergyExecutive Order.
Trump has not repealed the law, which would require an act of Congress.
Earthjustice declared,CEQ Eviscerates NEPAin a press release responding to the action.
The agencies have a wide variety of approaches to NEPA.
These include consideration of cumulative impacts, environmental justice, and the climate.
Democratic members of Congress have raised alarm and environmental groups and attorneys general are sure to sue.
There is a lot of love of community here, Baptista tells me, pride filling her voice.
The communities here have a very strong fabric.
In the nearby predominantly Black Southward neighborhood, theSouthward Environmental Alliancecounts some500 trucks per hourpassing through their small community.
Diesel is deadly, she stresses.
Diesel is one of the worst air pollutants for public health, especially children.
Last week, the state OKd Ironbounds fourth fossil-fuel power plant.
The final approval now rests with the EPA.
The community opposes the power plant, and has come up with a greener alternative.
Everybody builds their own fossil-fuel powered power plant to fight climate change while creating more climate change?!
she asks, incredulous at the idea.
She even helped secure federal funding for the project through the Inflation Reduction Act.
People come here, and they see the facilities and the industry.
What they dont see are the victories.
The dozens of facilities which this community stopped because we organized, Baptista says.
They cite numerous successes.
For the first time in 20 years, the Biden administration strengthened pollution standards for heavy trucks.
What he cannot do is disregard laws because he doesnt like them.
Thats not what the rule of law allows.
There are ways for us to address his non-compliance, Platkin says of Trump.
Hes ready to take on polluters in absence of federal action.
Platkin is also standing behind NEPA, which he calls an important tool to protect our residents.
If they dont, he warns, they can expect legal challenges.
It addresses the disproportionate environmental and public health impacts of pollution on overburdened communities.
It is the first and the most comprehensive law of its kind in the nation.
In April, New Jersey completed the rules implementing the bills requirements, bringing the law fully into force.
Our state has set a national precedent.
I was proud to offer that law, he says.
Senator Cory Booker, the former mayor of Newark, is one of the laws early champions.
Ultimately, we will need a federal environmental justice law, Baptista says.
I hope that in my lifetime, Ill see it.
Alimenta el Jardin!
Baptista and I finally reach the community garden, parking down the block and proceeding by foot.
A bright yellow and red sign declares Climate Justice for All.
(Feed the Garden (not the incinerator) leave your compost here!)
Rows of elevated wood planters holding soil sit ready beneath the snow.
She also sees perseverance in Ironbound.
Theyre not going to lay down and just let you roll right over them, Baptista shares.
I dont care whos the president, that fight will continue.
