Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
Trump administration officials terminated a federal criminal investigation into potential Clean Water Act violations by coal mining operations owned by Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV), a close presidential ally. The killed investigation had examined multistate mining operations run largely by Justice's son, removing legal jeopardy for a major Republican donor and Senate ally.
On July 29, 2020, the Trump administration signed an authorization allowing TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, L.P. to operate and maintain existing pipeline facilities at the international boundary between the United States and Canada. The action permits continued operation of pipeline infrastructure at the US-Canada border crossing. The direct effect was to enable ongoing crude oil transport across the US-Canada border through existing Keystone Pipeline facilities.
On June 5, 2020, President Trump signed Proclamation 10049, which reduced the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument from approximately 4,913 square miles to 8,581 acres off the coast of New England. The proclamation eliminated protections that had prohibited commercial fishing, including lobster fishing, within the monument boundaries. The reduction opened approximately 4,904 square miles of previously protected ocean to commercial fishing activities.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10012 on May 29, 2020, designating June 2020 as Great Outdoors Month. The proclamation encouraged Americans to explore and appreciate outdoor spaces and natural resources. The proclamation had no regulatory effect and did not alter existing environmental policy or law.
President Trump signed Proclamation 10012 on May 29, 2020, designating June 2020 as National Ocean Month. The proclamation acknowledges ocean resources and directs federal attention to ocean-related policies and initiatives during that month. The proclamation has no direct statutory effect on Americans but serves as a formal recognition of ocean conservation and economic interests.
On April 14, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order 13915, which established the order of succession for positions within the Department of the Interior. The order designates which officials assume leadership if the Secretary of the Interior becomes unable to perform duties. This affects the chain of command for managing federal lands, natural resources, and Native American affairs.
On February 19, 2020, the Trump administration signed Memorandum 2020-04089 directing federal agencies to increase water supplies to California. The memorandum instructed the Department of Interior and Army Corps of Engineers to maximize water deliveries through state and federal water projects. Confirmed effects included increased water allocations to Central Valley agricultural and urban water districts in 2020.
On September 6, 2019, the Trump administration signed Memorandum 2019-19930 establishing a line of succession for leadership positions within the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The memorandum specified the order in which CEQ duties would be assumed if the chair became unavailable. This affected the administrative structure of the federal agency responsible for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act and coordinating environmental policy across agencies.
The Trump administration moved to roll back chemical safety regulations designed to prevent industrial accidents even as the U.S. experienced deadly chemical incidents, including a major evacuation in Southern California due to an overheating chemical tank. The deregulatory effort weakened protections that had been strengthened following prior chemical disasters. The policy directly exposed workers and nearby communities to increased risk of explosions, fires, and toxic exposures.
President Trump signed Proclamation 2019-9977 on May 31, 2019, designating June 2019 as Great Outdoors Month. The proclamation encourages Americans to enjoy and appreciate outdoor recreation and natural spaces. The proclamation has no regulatory effect and does not restrict or mandate actions by Americans or federal agencies.