ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom focused on investigating abuses of power, reports that environmentalists globally have experienced harassment, imprisonment, and other retaliatory actions. The United States has traditionally been an exception, providing a safe space for environmental advocacy, often in collaboration with the government. However, recent months have seen a noticeable shift in the treatment of those fighting pollution.
Environmental groups have encountered various challenges, including attacks from the Trump administration, criminal investigation subpoenas, online harassment, and industry lawsuits intended to intimidate them into silence. Concerns have arisen that the administration might attempt to revoke the nonprofit status of some groups.
On Earth Day, ProPublica publishes an interview with Abigail Dillen, president of Earthjustice, the largest public interest environmental firm in the U.S., discussing the mounting hostility towards environmental advocates. Over the past 50 years, Earthjustice has played a crucial role in establishing federal limits on pollutants, advocating for pesticide bans, and defending endangered species.
The environmental movement faces threats, partly due to actions by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Under the leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA has reduced funding for some environmental organizations and criticized others. Zeldin has even collaborated with the FBI on a criminal investigation concerning a federal grant program known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund aimed at promoting clean energy. In February, the EPA moved to cancel the funding after Zeldin likened the program to a wasteful expenditure, although a judge found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Zeldin and President Trump have publicly criticized environmental activists, leading to online and offline threats. These developments have occurred alongside a governmental focus on energy production, deregulation, and restoring “energy dominance,” although the EPA asserts that these changes will not compromise the agency’s commitment to clean air and water.
Dillen observes an increase in strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) suits meant to intimidate advocates. Many states have enacted laws to curb SLAPP suits, yet Greenpeace recently lost a significant legal battle in North Dakota, resulting in a substantial financial penalty. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision.
Earthjustice has responded by hiring an outside law firm to support clients facing SLAPP suits, as the administration’s rhetoric seems to embolden hostile actions from corporations. Dillen expresses concern that such attitudes could result in more antagonistic actions by the private sector.
Dillen also voices worries about the potential targeting of nonprofit groups’ statuses, referencing plans to rescind Harvard University’s nonprofit status as a precedent that could extend to environmental organizations. Such actions, she argues, could set a dangerous precedent and undermine democracy.
The current administration is using federal power in ways that intimidate people into silence, even targeting recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund with a grand jury inquiry. Dillen reflects on how this administration’s approach differs from the first Trump administration, noting a more radical agenda with less adherence to conventional processes.
Earthjustice has adjusted its strategy, focusing more on challenging funding pauses and administrative actions that bypass traditional procedures. Dillen emphasizes the importance of the rule of law in ensuring checks on governmental actions.
The interview concludes with Dillen expressing concern over the potential for the U.S. to become a dangerous environment for environmental advocates, highlighting the administration’s alignment with fossil fuel interests and the suppression of climate advocacy as significant threats to progress.
