This Week on Earth: May 6-12
Ducks off Clark St. Beach at Sunset. (Arthi Venkatesh/ION)
Chicago
All 18 employees working on environmental justice at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 5 office in Chicago have received layoff notices. This action is part of a nationwide reduction in force targeting nearly 200 EPA staffers involved in environmental justice programs, with terminations set to take effect by July 31, according to Indiana Public Media.
The affected staff in Chicago played crucial roles in assisting communities disproportionately affected by pollution, including low-income and minority populations in Indiana and other Midwestern states. Their responsibilities included facilitating lead pipeline replacement projects, enhancing flood resilience and supporting local advocacy against polluting facilities. The elimination of these positions raises concerns about the EPA’s capacity to address environmental disparities in the region.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the EPA's reduction in his New York Post Op-Ed, stating that “Under this administration, EPA is serving all Americans with equal dignity and respect — and providing real environmental solutions, not false ‘justice.’”
The broader reduction in EPA staff, including the planned 65% workforce cut announced earlier this year indicates a shift in the agency’s approach to environmental regulation under the current administration.
As the EPA undergoes these changes, the future of environmental justice initiatives remains uncertain. This leaves communities that have historically relied on these programs facing increased challenges in combating pollution and securing environmental protection.
United States
In a move that alarmed environmental advocates and industry leaders alike, the Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to shut down the Energy Star program: a voluntary labeling initiative long praised for its role in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions.
Established in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush, Energy Star helped consumers and businesses identify appliances, buildings and electronics that met rigorous energy-efficiency standards.
The Times reported that Energy Star “has helped households and businesses save more than $500 billion in energy costs and to get rebates and tax credits, according to the program’s 2024 report. At the same time, it has also prevented four billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere.”
The proposed elimination of Energy Star emerged amid broader efforts by the Trump EPA to roll back environmental regulations thought to be overbearing to industry. However, major appliance manufacturers and retailers have warned that shutting down the program would create confusion in the marketplace and potentially lead to higher energy bills for consumers.
Environmental groups such as U.S. PIRG and Environment America condemned the move as emblematic of the administration’s deregulatory agenda, which consistently prioritizes short-term economic interests over long-term sustainability. The dismantling of Energy Star would not only end a trusted public-private partnership but also threaten progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the consumer level.
The dismantling of Energy Star marks a significant setback in the effort to build a more energy-efficient and climate-conscious country, setting the United States further behind in global efforts to mitigate climate change.
United Kingdom
In a bold push toward its clean energy goals, the UK has announced a 172% increase in its funding for offshore wind development, raising the total to £544 million (about $720 million USD).
This funding marks the country’s largest-ever financial commitment to offshore wind incentives, according to Reuters.
The move comes as a result of the UK’s aim to triple its offshore wind capacity by 2030, targeting up to 50 gigawatts to help net-zero emissions goals. The increased investment is intended to help developers manage rising construction costs and supply chain constraints that have threatened several major projects in recent years.
The UK is already a global leader in offshore wind, with turbines dotting the North Sea and other coastal regions. However, recent project cancellations, like Ørsted Hornsea, underscored the need for stronger government backing. The expanded funding package aims to stabilize the sector and attract long-term investment.
According to industry executives interviewed by The Times, the incentives also send a strong signal to the private sector that Britain is serious about becoming a clean energy superpower. With electricity demand projected to more than double by mid-century, experts say these investments are critical to maintaining a reliable power supply without sacrificing the planet.