News: Trump's EOs will devastate NC environment, economy

Sierrans ready to rally to protect air, land, water, clean energy progress

RALEIGH, N.C. – President Trump's Day One bid to dismantle environmental protections and climate change initiatives threatens to undermine economic and environmental progress on clean energy, expose our communities to worsening weather disasters, and open precious territories to the oil and gas CEOs who funded his campaign, N.C. Sierra Club leaders said Tuesday.

"For those of us who value clean air, clean water, and a livable planet for future generations, Monday, Jan. 20, was a dark and frightening moment. Trump's executive orders read like an industry fever dream: no protections, no limits, no rules," said Erin Carey, the N.C. Sierra Club's State Conservation Policy Director.

It's questionable whether Trump's orders can be enforced immediately, if at all. Still, Carey said: "Though the legal ground he stands upon is shaky, the damage this administration could do to our environment and our children’s future over the next four years is unspeakable. Fortunately, Sierra Club members and supporters in North Carolina and across the country are just as committed to the fight. If he wants to put our planet in jeopardy, he's got to get through us first."

North Carolina residents have seen devastating impacts of climate change this year alone. As sea level rise and flooding continue to inundate our coast, mountain communities are still suffering from catastrophic damage wrought by Helene, one of many storms fueled to unprecedented strength by warming oceans.

"These orders are a slap in the face to North Carolinians who will need years to restore their homes and livelihoods after climate-driven weather disasters," said Chris Herndon, N.C. Chapter Director. "And curtailing our state’s booming clean energy development by freezing progress on offshore wind and the deployment of EV infrastructure would be devastating to our economy. Any leader who denies these truths at the expense of North Carolinians is no leader at all."

Read more Sierra Club responses to Trump's executive orders, including statements on offshore wind development and offshore drilling.