As thousands marched against his regressive, pro-pollution agenda, Trump released an Earth Day statement which is…something. It does sound like an adult wrote it, but it’s full of gaslighting claims that fly in the face of Trump’s actual policies. And, of course, it doesn’t mention climate change.
NEW: Trump issues #EarthDay statement, saying US has “obligation” to protect its resources, while “reducing unnecessary burden” on economy. pic.twitter.com/MK9JlLuQ03
— ABC News (@ABC) April 22, 2017
“Our Nation is blessed with abundant natural resources and awe-inspiring beauty,” it begins. “Americans are rightly grateful for these God-given gifts and have an obligation to safeguard them for future generations.”
- So far, so good!
“My Administration is committed to keeping our air and water clean, to preserving our forests, lakes, and open spaces, and to protecting endangered species.”
- Trump revived the dangerous Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. The Keystone XL pipeline has already leaked 17,000 gallons of oil into South Dakota.
- Congress is considering “modernizing” (read: gutting) the Endangered Species Act because they know Trump will sign off on their bill.
- Lead ammunition and fish tackle are now allowed on federal land, placing fish and wildlife at the risk of lead poisoning.
“Economic growth enhances environmental protection.”
- Not when it’s coal.
- Solar and wind power create jobs “12 times faster than the rest of the economy,” but Trump overturned Obama-era commitments to these renewable energy resources and job creators.
“We can must protect our environment without harming America’s working families. This 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.”
- Some examples of the “unnecessary burdens” from which American workers are now freed: waterways that aren’t polluted by coal mines, workplace protection from LGBT discrimination, and the benefits of 14 labor and civil rights laws
“Rigorous science is critical to my Administration’s efforts to achieve the twin goals of economic growth and environmental protection.”
- The EPA Office of Science and Technology has removed the phrase “science-based” from its mission statement under the Trump administration.
“My Administration is committed to advancing scientific research that leads to a better understanding of our environment and of environmental risks.”
- Trump’s proposed budget calls for slashing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget by 20%, as well as deep cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NASA.
“As we do so, we should remember that rigorous science depends not on ideology, but on a spirit of honest inquiry and robust debate.”
- Trump tried to lead a witch hunt against employees who worked on climate-change initiatives at the Energy Department.
“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.”
- Trump couldn’t even keep to his own hope, as he felt the need to send out a passive-aggressive tweet about how “jobs matter.” He couldn’t just wish everyone a Happy Earth Day.
I am committed to keeping our air and water clean but always remember that economic growth enhances environmental protection. Jobs matter!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2017
I could go on, but UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women)Â already summed it up perfectly:
Catch up on what the @UN is doing to limit #climatechange: https://t.co/nHnIsHAX8L #EarthDay #ParisAgreement pic.twitter.com/8pneSGqjwj
— UN Women (@UN_Women) April 22, 2017
“Climate action creates jobs, improves our health, [and] saves money.”
(Via Business Insider, Huffington Post, and ABC News; image via Shutterstock)
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