That’s what President Trump and his climate-denying administration are seemingly trying to do. From plans to gut the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and others to promises to rid of pollution limits for power plants, oil, and gas drilling, the Trump Administration is launching a full-on assault on the environment. Republicans in Congress are no better, as they are moving fast to overturn Obama-era environmental and health protections to the delight of oil, gas, and coal industries. In the past week they have already eliminated a rule that would have limited bribery and corruption in oil operations around the world as well as the Stream Protection Rule, which would prevent toxic mine waste from being dumped in rivers and drinking water. And next week, the Senate is scheduled to vote to overturn limits on methane and asthma-causing ozone pollution from drilling.
Trump’s attacks on the environment hurt American’s health. The link between environmental hazards and public health is clear: ozone increases risk for asthma and greenhouse gases exacerbate climate change, which poses a serious threat to human health. This, coupled with Republicans attacks on the Affordable Care Act, create a two-pronged assault on public health. And it’s everyday Americans, particularly in states that voted for Trump, who will pay from poorer health and environmental degradation. Some of the states that are most at risk are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, and New Mexico. Read about Trump’s attacks on the environment and public health here and see how your state fares here.
TRANSITION TRACKER
#DumpDeVos. Today, Mike Pence became the first Vice President ever to cast a tie-breaking vote to confirm a cabinet nominee in the vote to confirm Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary. DeVos will now lead an agency whose work touches the lives of virtually every single American. Here’s hoping she learned in her confirmation process that the American people don’t want our public school system to be devalued and defunded. Let’s also hope she’s figured out the difference between proficiency and growth. Despite the fact that she was confirmed, the fact that Pence was forced to cast the final vote shows the power of resistance. The hundreds of thousands of constituents that called, emailed, tweeted, and protested DeVos’ nomination were heard. Now, the fight to hold her accountable begins.
Early Valentine’s gift. To workers that is. Looks like Trump’s pick for Department of Labor Secretary, Andrew Puzder, is once again having his confirmation hearing delayed, meaning it’s no longer on Valentine’s Day. Reasons for the delay are unclear, but it could be anything from his anti-worker record to new allegations.
WHAT’S TRENDING
Arguments. Everyone’s having them. Today 2 Attorneys General, along with tech companies, former senior policy officials, and civil rights groups will present their case against the Trump Administration’s Muslim and refugee ban in front of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Over the weekend, a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of Trump’s executive orders. Today, the court will hear an hour long argument over the request at 6 p.m. EST. Livestream it here.
You can’t sit with us. That’s what the U.K.’s parliament is saying to Trump. Their reason? They don’t support “racism sexism.” Obama addressed both Houses of Parliament in 2011.
FACT CHECK
“Dishonest press.” This time Trump is claiming they don’t report on some terrorist attacks. Asked to provide evidence to support this claim, the White House produced a list of 78 attacks all of which had, in fact, been covered in the press. Their list included attacks so well-documented by the press they became known by the city’s name like Orlando, San Bernardino, and Nice. But guess what wasn’t mentioned on the White House list? Dylann Roof’s attack on Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina.
ACTION OF THE DAY
Solidarity. It has been over a week since Trump formally launched his assault on immigrant and refugee families. Come to the White House for a vigil in solidarity with support refugees and Muslims in your community. Not in DC? Hold a vigil near you and tune into the arguments about the Muslim ban tonight.
GOOD NEWS
Working for the weekend (update). NBC announced plans to create a standalone Weekend Update show to take advantage of the mercurial news cycle. No word yet on whether the new show will include a