S.H.E. Kindness Policy Program
2025 Take Actions
Take Action:
Stop Trump’s Bid to Repeal Climate Protections — The Biggest Impact You Can Make Today for Our Planet
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ’28
Since 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Endangerment Finding has given the agency the authority to restrict climate change-causing pollution, such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These regulations, based on the Clean Air Act from the 1970s, have controlled emissions, saved lives and slowed the climate crisis.
On July 29, 2025, the Trump-appointed head of the EPA, Lee Zeldin, announced a proposal that would eliminate the Endangerment Finding, specifically removing all restrictions on emissions from medium and heavy-duty auto vehicles. This proposal was accompanied by a speech delivered by Zeldin that dismissed the role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the climate crisis. How sad it is that the head of the “Environmental Protection Agency” thinks like this.
If this proposal goes into effect, US GHG emissions will skyrocket without bound. The Biden administration attempted to return the US to climate leadership but this action will take us backward and worsen the global climate crisis.
Even though the proposal is aimed to benefit auto manufacturers, it may be a gateway to further rollbacks of GHG protections, including for coal- and gas-fired power plants. Furthermore, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be economically incentivized if auto manufacturers can emit without regulations.
Fortunately, a huge percentage of Americans believe that GHG emissions need to be regulated. A recent Data for Progress pollfound 86% of Americans “strongly” or “somewhat” agree, including an impressive 79% of Republicans.
The proposal has not been finalized and you can comment until September 22, 2025.Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard.
We are joining with the entire environmental movement in seeking to submit a record number of comments in our uphill battle to fight the Trump administration effort. Please share this with others and join the Alliance in sending this pre-written EarthJustice Federal Register comment to make your voice heard and oppose the proposal!
Take Action:
Stop Congress from Allowing Chemical Companies to Harm Farmers and Consumers
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ’28
It’s tragic that chemical companies often harm farmers and consumers. Fortunately, existing laws provide some protection and allow legal recourse, helping to prevent corporate irresponsibility.
However, those restrictions may soon go away due to a horrible proposed bill which grants chemical companies immunity from lawsuits relating to their products’ hazards. Furthermore, this bill would also prohibit the EPA from restricting harmful PFAS forever chemicals, directly over-riding Minnesota’s landmark ban on pesticides, known as Amara’s Law.
Immunity for Bayer/Monsanto and Other Outlaws?
“Pushed by Bayer/Monsanto and the chemical industry, the bill provides total pesticide immunity language against lawsuits that challenge chemical manufacturers who withhold information on the harm that their products can cause,” according to Beyond Pesticides.
They add, “Chemical companies have successfully lobbied for a weak federal pesticide law and then try to hide behind the law when sued for damages, telling the courts that their products are in compliance with pesticide registration standards and therefore not liable for harm.”
Meanwhile, Beyond Pesticides points out that under current law, “juries have found that Bayer/Monsanto, in the case of glyphosate (Roundup), failed to provide adequate warning through their product labeling, given the independent peer-reviewed science, including what the company knew or should have known, and a clinical assessment of the harm caused to the plaintiff. “
However, under the legislation before the Appropriations Committee in Section 453 of the bill, Beyond Pesticides emphasizes that “only EPA-approved label language consistent with a human health assessment or carcinogenicity classification previously approved by EPA is permitted — freezing EPA’s position on a pesticide in place for possibly decades, and eliminating the ability to hold chemical manufacturers accountable for damages.”
“This language would in the future prohibit cases like those filed by victims of glyphosate (Roundup), who have won large jury verdicts and compensation,” they add.
The EPA Would Be Restricted from Prohibiting PFAS
In addition, Section 507 of the bill removes funding for eliminating hazards associated with PFAS chemicals, according to Beyond Pesticides: “None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the draft risk assessment titled Draft Sewage Sludge Risk Assessment for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS).”
This bill would remove any incentive for chemical companies to develop safer products, therefore slowing the necessary global shift to less toxic land use and consumer practices, which is critical to protecting human health and the environment.
Take action now and join the Alliance in signing this Beyond Pesticides petition to demand your US Representative reject Sections 453 and 507 in the final House Appropriations bill!
Take Action:
Air Pollution Kills. The EPA’s New Ruling Could Make it Worse.
By Danbee You, Alliance Intern from Washington University, St. Louis ’28
It is the responsibility of the government to put the public’s health first, but Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to strip away protections for clean air in favor of polluting power plants.
The Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) were the first national limits on toxic air pollution from coal and oil-fired power plants. Since being enacted in 2012 and strengthened by the Biden EPA in 2024, MATS reduced emissions by over 85% and delivered critical public health benefits nationwide.
MATS’ strengthened protections would result in fewer hospital visits, missed workdays, and premature deaths, saving Americans at least $300 million in health-related costs over a 10-year period. However, Trump’s EPA proposal to block key sections from the 2024 MATS will threaten both the environment and public health.
To stop Trump’s administration from weakening MATS, take a minute to submit a public comment to the EPA on the EarthJustice site before Monday, August 11. Simply fill out your basic information and submit EarthJustice’s pre-written paragraph or your own personalized message. These comments build a case for clean air and demonstrate to decision-makers that the public will not tolerate this rollback.
Clean air is a human right, and we must make it clear that public health matters more than letting polluters have their payday. Join the Alliance by taking EarthJustice’s Action to protect our clean air.
Take Action:
Stop Grocery Stores from Contributing to Climate Change
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ’28
Major grocery chains are major contributors to the climate crisis. The use of hydrofluorocarbons in refrigerators wreaks serious environmental havoc. A recent EPA investigation found half the stores it visited had leaks of these gases, rapidly entering our atmosphere and accelerating the climate crisis.
Ceasing the use of these gases and switching to climate-friendly refrigerants can prevent nearly half a degree Celsius of global warming — a crucial number in the 1.5 degree threshold from the Paris Agreement.
Better refrigerants could prevent 460 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years, equivalent to 97 billion gas passenger vehicles driven for one year, or equal to the power produced by 124 million wind turbines.
Take action now and join the Alliance in signing this GreenAmerica petition to demand that major grocery stores set a zero-tolerance policy for leaks and switch to climate-friendly refrigerants.
Take Action:
Save Job Corps and Ensure America’s Youth Break the Cycle of Poverty!
By Rachael Lee, Alliance Intern from UTexas – Austin ’25
The Trump Administration’s Department of Labor (DOL) has authorized the closure of Job Corps, the nation’s largest free residential career training and education program for low-income adults aged 16-24. This closure cuts off essential housing and decent-paying job opportunities for the 25,000 American young people in Job Corps.
Sadly, this is just one of the many assaults on sister programs like AmeriCorps and Teach for America that help assure a positive future for the next generation.
The Job Corps students were only given a one month warning by the DOL to process the devastating news of the program closure. Their step-up in the world was abruptly taken away and they had to find new places to live.
Over the 60 years that it has been functioning, Job Corps has given 3 million individuals the necessary skills and education required to improve their quality of life and gain a professional career.
In addition to providing the necessary educational and professional background that allows students to gain control of their professional careers, most Job Corps sites provide residential services such as healthcare, counseling and food.
The end of the program will also jeopardize the futures of an additional 14,000 applicants, according to Job Corps. Many of them are homeless or in vulnerable living situations. They rely on an acceptance into Job Corps as one of their last opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty.
Furthermore, shutting down Job Corps will undermine local businesses and communities who rely on trained workers who graduate from the program, directly hurting America’s economy.
A recent holding has been filed by a US Judge to pause the nationwide closure of Job Corps. However, its future is still uncertain, left in the hands of the Trump administration that has already shut down many government-assisted programs. It is our responsibility as citizens to demand and ensure that Job Corps is not next.
Save Job Corps! Join the Alliance in signing this petition to President Trump, the DOL and your elected officials through savejobcorps.com. Send a clear message that we care about our youth and American business.
Take Action:
Stop the Pesticide Poisoning of the Heartland of America
By Alliance Communications Coordinator Amy Durr
Scientists have been warning for decadesabout the health implications and dangers of pesticide use. In agricultural areas of Iowa, where approximately 87% of the state’s land is used for farming, cancer is now “everywhere.”
The American Cancer Society is calling this a cancer “crisis.” Out of all US states, Iowa’s rate of cancer has been the second-highest for the last few years, and its rates are increasing.
When pesticides are sprayed over crops, they don’t only go into the air and onto our food – they also seep into the local water supply, harming people and wildlife and contaminating soil and water.
Authorities are trying to blame alcohol consumption, but residents are tracing their increasing rates of cancer to the use of pesticides, including glyphosate or RoundUp by Monsanto.
Join the Alliance in signing this petition from Care2 to urge Iowa lawmakers to ban toxic pesticides like RoundUp.
Take Action:
Stop Trump Administration Massive Cuts to Public Media — Keep PBS and NPR Strong
By Katie Block, Alliance Intern from Wellesley College ’25
Two of the nation’s most trusted news sources, PBS and NPR, are now facing severe federal funding cuts that could limit their ability to provide critical news, educational programming and local coverage.
The White House is preparing a rescission package that would eliminate $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports 1,300 local public media stations across the country.
Most people don’t realize that only 1% of NPR’s direct budget actually comes from the federal government, with the rest supported by members and sponsors. However, this small percentage is crucial for providing high-quality content that isn’t driven by corporate interests. These programs serve as a lifeline to many rural communities, offering children’s programming, local news and investigative reporting that otherwise would not be available.
This isn’t the first time public media has faced these threats. However, the threat is far more serious this time because NPR and PBS have been specifically targeted by right-wing political leaders and billionaires like Elon Musk. The entire public media network will be seriously weakened without federal support.
With these threats, it’s now up to us to protect PBS and NPR. We must demand that Congress maintain funding for these essential public services. Only by speaking up can we ensure that future generations have access to the kind of media that helps our democracy thrive.
Support PBS and NPR! Join the Alliance in signing this petition to urge Congress to keep funding these valuable institutions and ensure that high-quality, educational news and media remains available to everyone.
Take Action:
Stop Trump Budget Cuts Threatening Closure of 350 National Park Units
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ’28
The Trump Administration’s budget proposal calls for a cut of up to 75% for the National Park System. The proposed cut of more than $1 billion is the largest in the history of the National Park Service, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. “With 433 national park units across the country, that would essentially wipe out budgets and staffing for at least 350 national park units.” The administration labels this outrageous action simply, a “reduction in force.”
“The President’s proposed budget plan is beyond extreme,” according to Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association. “It is catastrophic. Every action taken so far by this administration has chipped away at National Parks and their staff, but this budget is the final blow. If enacted by Congress, our National Park System would be completely decimated.”
Our National Parks showcase the diverse beauty and rich history of our country, and have existed for more than 100 years. These funding cuts would decimate the system and lead to devastating losses for wildlife and visitors, the closing of parks and the canceling of hundreds of thousands of reservations.
It is already disrupting people’s summer vacation plans and laying off talented Park Service staff. This will also negatively affect already struggling local communities facing the loss of jobs and tourism.
We must act now to protect our National Parks. Join the Alliance in signing this petition from the National Park Conservation Association and demand that Congress stand up for our national parks and reject this proposal!
Take Action:
Our Forests Need Your Help – Defend Them from Trump’s Logging Attacks!
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern from Dartmouth College ’28
Just a few weeks ago, the Trump Administration issued an executive order opening 59% of US Forest Service lands to industrial logging and clear-cutting, according to the Washington Post. This move represents one of the largest rollbacks of forest protections in recent history, threatening to permanently alter landscapes that are critical to biodiversity, climate resilience and the well-being of local communities.
The executive order aggressively targets irreplaceable old-growth forests in an effort to ramp up timber sales, points out EarthJustice. These forests have taken centuries to grow and cannot be replaced in our lifetimes. Logging them will destroy vital habitats protected under the Endangered Species Act, release massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and significantly increase the risk of catastrophic wildfires in already vulnerable regions.
The impacts go beyond the environment. Forest ecosystems will be harmed, the outdoor recreation economy will take a hit and nearby communities will become far more susceptible to long-term environmental degradation.
We must act now to stop this reckless plan. Join the Alliance in signing this EarthJustice petition and demand that the US Department of Agriculture respect and preserve our federal forests!
Take Action:
Make Tech Companies Sucking Energy for AI Commit to Using Clean, Renewable Energy
By the Alliance Policy Team
Data centers and high-tech manufacturers have driven a massive surge in energy demand, especially with the rise of generative AI, putting our climate goals at risk, according to the Sierra Club. While tech companies publicly promote themselves as climate leaders, many still rely on fossil fuels and unsustainable water use to power and cool their operations.
In Minnesota alone, the Star Tribune points out eleven Big Tech billion dollar data centers are proposed or being built, and together they will use up more power than all of the residences in the state.
The result is that most will build several natural gas plants that will pollute and harm the environment for decades to come. And ultimately, this will lead to building hundreds of nuclear power plants across the country.
Not only will these data centers stress the local power grid, they will also require massive amounts of water to cool their data servers, as the Star Tribune points out.
Sadly, some of the companies are unwilling to disclose how much water they will use, which is essential because of the likelihood that the deep wells of data centers will dry up the wells of residents.
With the explosive growth of data centers, these energy-intensive industries must take the lead toward a 100% clean energy future. Corporate energy buyers can demand clean energy, but only if the public speaks up.
We must hold tech companies accountable to their climate promises. Demand that they meet their pledges by committing to clean, renewable energy around the clock. Remind Big Tech that we expect better, that the future they promise needs real action to ensure a livable planet.
Join the Alliance by signing this Sierra Club petition and help send a clear message to the biggest corporate energy users about what we want for our future.
Take Action:
Stop E-Waste from Your Phone, Computer and Other Electronics in Minnesota
By Abby Melendez, Alliance Intern at UC Davis ’26
Many people don’t know that they can’t dispose of electronic products with their household trash. Instead, they should be recycled. Electronic products contribute to groundwater contamination by leaching heavy metals into the groundwater. E-waste is responsible for 70% of lead pollution in landfills, according to Clean Water Action Minnesota.
Electronic products pose serious environmental and health challenges, especially in developing countries where much of our e-waste ends up. Sometimes the e-waste is burned so that it releases toxic gases. Other times they’re smashed to get at their valuable metals or just for disposal. In either case, this e-waste exposes workers to hazardous debris and dust, negatively impacting their health.
We’re seeing increasing evidence that E-batteries can cause firesbecause of the lithium ion they contain. A landfill fire in Rice County, MN polluted the air for thousands of citizens.
Proposed MN legislation (SF 1690/HF 1426) would require manufacturers to fund the collection of electronic waste and ensure it is recycled responsibly. There is a high demand for recovering the metals in e-waste, such as copper, gold and palladium, which can be used in new clean energy technologies. We lose $2 billion worth of valuable metals to landfills and incinerators.
You can make a difference by joining the Alliance in sending Clean Water Action Minnesota’s letter to your MN State legislators so they’ll enact this legislation today!
Take Action:
Stop Trump Cuts — Demand Congress Assure Funding and Oversight for Environmental Protection
By Abby Melendez, Alliance Intern at UC Davis ’26
The Trump administration has closed critical environmental enforcement offices, frozen federal funding for environmental projects and laid off thousands of workers for the sake of “Drill, baby, drill” and giving tax cuts to billionaires.
To weaken the EPA, the administration has fired essential non-partisan public servants with critical scientific knowledge. These staff have provided impartial expertise to ensure policies are rooted in equity and science while holding polluters accountable.
Congress must fight back and make sure agencies like the EPA can continue protecting the environment and our health. Weak federal agencies means weakening environmental protections!
The majority party has a very slim margin in Congress so every message from constituents truly counts. Please join the Alliance and sign the EarthJustice petition to make Congress act now!
Take Action: Protect MN from Dangerous PFAS Forever Chemicals — Defend Amara’s Law!
By Alliance Board Member and Clean Water Action MN Executive Director Avonna Starck and Staff
In 2023, Minnesota passed the strongest PFAS forever chemical prevention legislation in the country as part of the omnibus environment, natural resources, climate, and energy finance and policy bill with bipartisan support and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz.
The legislation was named Amara’s Law after Amara Strande, a young woman who grew up in an area contaminated by PFAS and diagnosed with an exceedingly rare form of cancer. Amara’s Law bans PFAS in 11 consumer product categories starting in 2025 and bans all nonessential uses of PFAS by 2032.
As a commonsense policy, Amara’s Law safeguards lives, taxpayer dollars and our water, lands and air.
It includes a clear process for exemption requests through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, ensuring that all such requests are handled appropriately under the law’s framework.
Unfortunately this cutting edge law is now under attack, at risk of carve-outs and exemptions. We ask that the legislature, Governor Walz and Commissioner Kessler hold firm and reject any exemptions, carve outs or delays for Amara’s Law.
Please join the Alliance for Sustainability in sending Clean Water Action MN’s message to your lawmakers today to preserve Amara’s Law and protect the health of our communities.
Take Action: Stop Trump’s Firing of Inspector Generals Doing Oversight of Federal Agencies
By Joe Parmigiani, Alliance Intern at Dartmouth College ‘28
Across the federal government, President Trump has fired at least 17 Inspectors General (IGs) across 18 agencies, effectively destroying independent, nonpartisan oversight of all agency decisions.
You might wonder why should I care? IGs perform an essential role in stopping government abuse by Democrats and Republicans. They assure that laws passed by Congress are carried out with integrity.
IGs assure accountability by acting independently of politics and agency heads to investigate corruption, fraud and abuse and report to Congress. They also protect whistleblowers who come forward with information about misconduct within an agency. Without them, there are few guardrails to protect our democracy.
Trump’s firing of the IGs is a violation of our laws as they were passed by Congress. The Inspector General Act of 1978 provides that the President may remove an IG, but states, “If an Inspector General is removed from office…the President shall communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal or transfer to both Houses of Congress, not later than 30 days before the removal or transfer.”
Because Trump failed to provide the 30-day notice and justification as required by law, it appears the action is illegal. Those fired should be reinstated immediately.
Trump even fired the Interior Department IG Mark Greenblatt, who he appointed five years ago. Greenblatt told the NY Times: “This raises an existential threat with respect to the primary independent oversight function in the federal government. We have preserved the independence of inspectors general by making them not swing with every change in political party.”
This really matters for sustainability. For example, the IG of the EPA has investigated and taken the agency to task for permitting harmful pesticide use and endocrine disrupting chemicals, while not protecting workers’ rights, as pointed out by Beyond Pesticides.
We need you to take action on a topic that may seem in the weeds, but is essential to sustainability and the proper functioning of our democracy. Please join the Alliance in sending Beyond Pesticides’ letter to put pressure on your members of Congress to address this unacceptable situation and assure nonpartisan oversight.
Forever Chemicals, Forever Harm — Act Now to Protect Our Water
By Katie Block, Alliance Intern at Wellesley College ‘25
PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals,” are a hidden menace in our water systems. For decades, industrial polluters have released these dangerous substances into the environment, contaminating drinking water and ecosystems. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, immune system suppression and reproductive harm, and the EPA is only now beginning to address the problem. With millions of Americans at risk, we must quickly demand stronger regulations to protect public health.
Regulating industrial PFAS emissions is a critical step toward solving this crisis. By targeting pollution at its source, the EPA can help reduce contamination in our drinking water and protect vulnerable communities. This solution holds polluters accountable while safeguarding future generations. Join us in signing Earthjustice’s petition to demand action now.