Friend — troubling news out of the EPA as we head into the final two weeks of Trump's presidency:

Reports aren't fully public — but it appears as though they are using Trump's final days in office to finalize a rule trying to block the agency from using vast swaths of scientific data in their rulemaking. The plan could virtually end meaningful implementation of the Clean Air Act and other landmark environmental protections.

We're facing a ticking clock. If they succeed at finalizing the new rule and it becomes effective, it may take years for the incoming Biden administration to get rid of it. We need to raise hell — and we need to do it quickly.

We've just kicked off our 2021 Membership Drive — and it's an important one. As part of the campaign, a group of donors has agreed to triple match every contribution you make this year (but only if you pitch in now).

So we're asking: renew your LCV membership today — it only costs $5. Anything you can afford to contribute will make a huge difference »

Here are the details so far: The new rule could prevent policy makers from using any study if the study's data, code, and models aren't made public.

It sounds innocuous enough, but in practice, the EPA currently relies on public health studies based on confidential medical information — data that is incredibly private and should never be made public. These public health studies are absolutely critical to implementing virtually every law that protects the water we drink and the air we breathe.

But friend — this is one of dozens of other environmental attacks the Trump administration is attempting to jam through in the final days of the term.

In South Dakota, a massive uranium mine — one that would require injecting water underground to dissolve the uranium before pumping the solution to the surface — is now barreling forward.

In Arizona, the administration is preparing to take land from the San Carlos Apache Tribe to build one of the country's largest copper mines. The move would destroy some of the Apache's most significant cultural sites, and tribal groups are preparing a major resistance effort.

In Utah, Trump is preparing to give final approval to drill for helium in national wilderness where energy leasing is currently banned. In Nevada, Trump is preparing to green-light an open-pit lithium mine. On the East and West coasts, dangerous and unpopular offshore drilling proposals are being rushed.

Each of these fights CAN be won, but we need to move quickly. In many cases, stalling these efforts means the Biden administration can reverse course. But it entirely depends on how far they get now.

I hope you'll pitch in today. Remember, as part of our 2021 Membership Drive, if you donate now, your contribution will be triple matched — as will every other gift you make this year.

Friend — I want you to know just how much your support matters. Please, renew your LCV membership now »

Thank you — sincerely — for everything that you do for the environment. With just a couple weeks left in Trump's term, there's never been a more dangerous moment for the environment. If we can hold on for just a bit longer — we'll get through this. We just have to do it together.

Gene Karpinski
President
League of Conservation Voters