Project 2025 Undermines Water Justice and Threatens Public Health

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Splash of a drop of clean water with text that reads:
Splash of a drop of clean water with text that reads: “Protect our water. Protect our environment. Vote #Harris. Vote Blue.


Project 2025 envisages a conservative restructuring of the EPA that prioritizes industrial and business interests over the need for clean water and air, putting communities at risk, especially those near industrial zones. Project 2025 undermines the agency’s ability to protect diverse communities and uphold the human right to clean water. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Decentralization and Reduced Federal Oversight

Earlier this year, on April 10, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration finalized the first-ever national drinking water standard to protect against PFAS, alongside announcing nearly $1 billion from the “Investing in America” agenda to combat these contaminants in public systems and private wells. This landmark initiative, benefiting around 100 million people, aims to significantly reduce illnesses and deaths associated with PFAS exposure, which have been linked to severe health problems including cancers and liver damage.

Project 2025 undermines these advances and instead create a patchwork of environmental standards. States with fewer resources or less governance resolve will fail to adequately protect water quality, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities that rely on strong federal standards to safeguard their environment. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Cutting Back on Regulatory Authority

Project 2025 foretells a reduction in the breadth of the EPA’s authority to regulate, allowing polluters to operate with less scrutiny. This will lead to increased water contamination incidents, similar to the Flint water crisis, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

By focusing on reducing the EPA’s regulatory reach and emphasizing cost-effective solutions over comprehensive environmental protections, essential safeguards are weakened, especially those that prevent industries from polluting water sources. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

Redefinition of Scientific and Risk Assessment Standards

    The push for open-source science and revising scientific advisory roles dilutes scientific rigor in decision-making if it is driven by political considerations rather than unbiased scientific inquiry. This results in standards that fail to adequately protect against contaminants known to harm human health. The move toward risk-based regulation overlooks long-term and cumulative impacts of exposure to pollutants. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

    Limiting Legal Recourse

      Project 2025 reduces the EPA’s enforcement and compliance capabilities, restricting individuals and communities’ ability to hold polluters accountable through legal action. By delegating more authority to state and local levels, it weakens the uniformity and strength of enforcement across regions and diminishes the legal empowerment of affected communities to sue for enforcement and compliance. This shift erodes a key check on corporate and governmental accountability in environmental protection. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

      Human Right to Clean Water

        Clean water is a fundamental human right recognized by the United Nations. Any weakening of water quality standards or reduction in enforcement capability jeopardizes this right, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. Effective protection of water sources is essential not just for health but for the dignity and well-being of all individuals.

        Communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-income populations often face the brunt of environmental degradation and are the most affected by policies that do not prioritize robust environmental protections. Ensuring their right to clean water requires strong federal oversight and stringent, uniformly applied environmental regulations. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

        Summing Up

        Project 2025 proposes a conservative restructuring of the EPA that places industrial and business interests ahead of the imperative for clean water and air, potentially endangering communities. Project 2025 undermines the EPA’s capacity to safeguard diverse communities and the human right to clean water by favoring economic considerations over environmental and public health protections, exacerbating existing inequalities and environmental justice issues, necessitating the maintenance of robust federal oversight and stringent environmental standards. Reject Trump. Vote Blue.

        Reject Regression: Advocate for Bold Climate Action Against Project 2025’s Harmful Proposals

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        Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Vote Biden. Vote Blue.
        Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.


        As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent and decisive action is needed. However, Project 2025 proposes reforms that significantly undermine critical environmental protections and sustainable development efforts. These reforms threaten to derail progress on combating climate change, protecting public health, and ensuring environmental sustainability. These policies are regressive and dangerous. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.

        Energy Policy: Prioritizing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future

        The proposed energy policy in Project 2025 advocates for an “all of the above” approach, emphasizing the continued use of fossil fuels while criticizing renewable energy initiatives. This perspective overlooks the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        Renewable energy and sustainability are imperative for ensuring long-term energy security. Prioritizing clean energy technologies like wind, solar, and advanced nuclear power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and enhance energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies and climate initiatives that drive innovation and reduce our carbon footprint.

        According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy could, and should, account for 90% of the power sector’s decarbonization by 2050, creating millions of jobs and enhancing energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies, research and development in clean technologies, and the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms to incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

        Environmental Protection: Strengthening the EPA’s Role

        Project 2025 aims to eliminate climate change initiatives within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criticizing them as economically burdensome. This perspective ignores the critical role that climate policies play in safeguarding public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        Climate change initiatives are vital for long-term environmental sustainability. The EPA’s focus on renewable energy and stringent air quality standards ensures cleaner air, reduces health risks, and mitigates the impacts of climate change. Rather than eliminating these initiatives, we should strengthen the EPA’s capacity to enforce science-based regulations that protect both the environment and public health.

        Health and Climate Change: Integrating Environmental Considerations

        Project 2025 suggested for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) largely ignore the connections between public health and climate change. This oversight will result in dangerously inadequate preparation and response to health crises worsened by climate conditions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        Public health policies need to incorporate the impacts of climate change, which include increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from air pollution, and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. A robust public health system that addresses these challenges is crucial for building resilient communities. Policies should promote environmental health and prepare for the health impacts of a changing climate.

        Agriculture and Water: Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Resilience

        Project 2025 will downplay agricultural and water policies, focusing on deregulation and short-term economic gains. This approach leads to accelerated environmental degradation and resource depletion. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        Sustainable agriculture and water management practices are essential for long-term resilience and our health! Policies should support conservation programs, promote water-efficient technologies, and encourage sustainable farming practices. Investing in sustainable agriculture ensures food security, protects natural resources, and mitigates the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems.

        Housing and Urban Development: Building Green Communities

        Project 2025 reverses climate change initiatives within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) threatening to halt progress on sustainable urban development. Ignoring climate considerations in housing policies leads to higher energy costs and increased emissions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        Climate change initiatives in housing are crucial for promoting energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban planning. Policies should incentivize green construction, support renewable energy integration, and ensure that urban development is resilient to climate impacts. Sustainable housing reduces energy costs, lowers emissions, and improves the quality of life in communities.

        Summing Up

        Project 2025 presents a regressive approach to climate policy, favoring short-term economic gains for a few over long-term sustainability. This perspective is not only shortsighted but also dangerous, as it undermines efforts to combat climate change and protect public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        We must advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy, strengthen environmental protections, integrate climate considerations into public health, promote sustainable agriculture, and build green communities. By embracing a comprehensive approach to climate action, we can ensure a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. 

        Our planet is at a critical juncture. We must reject proposals that roll back environmental progress and instead champion policies that foster innovation, equity, and sustainability. The climate crisis demands bold and immediate action. By committing to protecting our environment and securing a healthy, prosperous future for all, we can rise to the challenge and create a legacy of resilience and sustainability.

        Vote Biden. Vote Blue. 

        Vote Biden. Vote Blue. They champion comprehensive and forward-thinking climate policies which are crucial for our future, health, and sustainability of our children and future generations. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

        A Looming Water Crisis in Mountain Groundwater

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        The seasonal effects of increasing temperature on streamflow declines include complex exchanges between surface and groundwater that need to be explicitly modelled to avoid underestimating streamflow losses given a warmer future climate.
        The seasonal effects of increasing temperature on streamflow declines include complex exchanges between surface and groundwater that need to be explicitly modelled to avoid underestimating streamflow losses given a warmer future climate. *See notes below source for additional details.

        The Hidden Impact of Warming on Mountain Water Reserves

        As climate change intensifies, its impact on our planet’s water resources becomes increasingly severe and complex. A new study published in Nature highlights a critical issue: the significant reduction in mountain groundwater storage due to global warming, with profound implications for streamflows and water availability. This research, utilizing high-resolution integrated hydrological models, reveals the alarming trend of declining groundwater, especially in mountainous regions that feed major river systems like the Colorado River.

        Groundwater Storage at Risk

        The study’s findings indicate that increased forest water usage, driven by warmer temperatures, is likely to reduce groundwater recharge significantly. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced during dry years, and recovery is minimal even in wetter periods. This trend spells trouble for regions dependent on mountain streams for their water supply, as these areas are expected to face drastic reductions in water availability.

        Impact on the Colorado River Basin

        The research specifically points to the Colorado River’s headwaters, including the Colorado Headwater and Gunnison basins, as areas where groundwater declines will be most significant. Considering that the Colorado River is a crucial water source for the southwestern United States, the implications are dire for water management in the region. The study predicts that this will exacerbate streamflow reductions, complicating water resource management and potentially leading to more frequent and severe water shortages.

        Seasonal and Long-term Consequences

        The effect of warming on seasonal snow dynamics and the timing of water flow into streams presents another layer of complexity. As temperatures rise, snow melts earlier, and the altered hydrograph timing can significantly impact the availability of water during crucial times of the year. The study emphasizes the need for models that accurately capture these interactions to predict future water availability more reliably.

        Why It Matters

        Understanding the link between groundwater storage, climate change, and water management is important for preparing for future challenges. As the study shows, the health of mountain water ecosystems and the communities relying on them is at stake. Proactive measures are needed to ensure sustainable water usage and to protect these vital resources from the impending impacts of climate change.

        Summing Up

        This study provides essential insights into the broader impacts of climate change on water resources, especially in regions heavily dependent on mountain streams for their water supply. It serves as a critical resource for policymakers, environmental scientists, and conservationists aiming to devise strategies to combat these challenges effectively.

        Call to Action: The research advocates for the incorporation of detailed groundwater dynamics into hydrological models to improve the accuracy of predictions and water management strategies. It suggests that adaptive management strategies, particularly those integrating forest and water management, could mitigate some adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for policies that consider these dynamics.

        Source: Carroll, R. W. H., Niswonger, R. G., Ulrich, C., Varadharajan, C., Siirila-Woodburn, E. R., & Williams, K. H. (2024). Declining groundwater storage expected to amplify mountain streamflow reductions in a warmer world. Nature Water, 2, 419-433. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00239-0?error=cookies_not_supported&code=626124fe-c055-48d4-b217-dd79722e77e3

        Additional notes from graphic above:

        The seasonal effects of increasing temperature on streamflow declines include complex exchanges between surface and groundwater that need to be explicitly modelled to avoid underestimating streamflow losses given a warmer future climate. *See notes below source for additional details.

        Winter: warming will decrease snow coverage and promote the earlier onset of infiltration and runoff, although the net effect of annual warming on recharge will be less than under historical conditions. An increased winter stream stage coupled with lower water table elevations will drive increased seepage loss (that is, gradient-driven loss) in non-perennial streams to significantly lower annual streamflow. Summer: higher temperatures will promote increased evapotranspiration in the forested areas and riparian zones to limit the lateral movement of subsurface flow into stream channels. A decrease in groundwater entering streams will occur through falling water tables. Summer streamflow will be lower with a possible transition towards non-perennial conditions when evapotranspiration losses exceed groundwater inflows to streams. Qs = interflow + surface runoff to streams; Qg = groundwater flow to streams.

        Source: Carroll, R. W. H., Niswonger, R. G., Ulrich, C., Varadharajan, C., Siirila-Woodburn, E. R., & Williams, K. H. (2024). Declining groundwater storage expected to amplify mountain streamflow reductions in a warmer world. *Nature Water*, 2, 419-433. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44221-024-00239-0?error=cookies_not_supported&code=626124fe-c055-48d4-b217-dd79722e77e3