Biggest Environmental Wins of 2017

A look back at some of the biggest wins for the environmental community in 2017.

In February, Trump’s fast food exec pick for Labor Secretary withdrew his nomination following widespread pushback among the food & ag community. Had he been appointed, protections for healthy food, the environment, and worker rights would have been completely slashed.

In May, Walmart and True Value joined 100+ retailers across the U.S. by committing to eliminate neonicotinoid pesticides—a leading driver of global pollinator decline—from their stores!

In May, the Senate rejected Big Oil’s efforts to stop regulating dangerous methane emissions on our public lands.

Following months of countless comments from the environmental community and others, Interior Secretary Zinke felt the pressure and removed three national monuments from his review list. This move protected monuments in Colorado, Idaho, and Washington.

In July, South Carolina utilities abandoned the projects for two dangerous and costly nuclear projects. This decision was a major blow to the future of nuclear power in the U.S., opening the door for clean renewable energy technologies.

Just one day after lawsuits were filed, EPA Administrator Pruitt reversed his decision to delay life-saving ozone and smog standards.

In November, Trump’s unqualified, anti-science nominee for head USDA scientist withdrew his nomination following massive pressure from the progressive community and our members. This withdrawal evidences just how powerful our voices are in resisting Trump’s extreme agenda.

In December, Trump’s career chemical industry nominee to run EPA’s office of Chemical Safety withdrew his nomination following widespread opposition. Scientist-for-hire Michael Dourson had a long history of weakening critical protections from toxic chemicals and his withdrawal was a victory for public health and the environment.

Following years of pressure, Agribusiness giants Cargill and Wilmar suspended their relationships with conflict palm oil. This was a vital step toward ending violence against land defenders and protection the environment from palm oil’s ecological destruction.