Back

Director's Picks

RFK Jr., Onetime Environmentalist, Kills NIH Climate Change Programs

Summary

On his second day as Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cut funding for three National Institutes of Health (NIH) programs focused on climate change and public health. The affected initiatives include research on wildfire-related health risks, heat-exacerbated diseases, and urban planning for flood resilience. The decision follows President Trump’s executive order rescinding Biden-era climate actions. Senior HHS adviser Ken Callahan, a former Trump administration official, directed NIH to halt participation unless mandated by Congress. Experts warn the cuts undermine efforts to address rising health threats from climate change, including heat-related illnesses, asthma, and infectious diseases. Kennedy, once an environmental advocate, claims he and Trump “agree to disagree” on climate change but insists his priority is public health. Critics argue that by dismantling programs protecting Americans from climate-driven health risks, Kennedy’s actions contradict his stated mission.

discover more

July 11, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

Residents in the Shiloh Community have fought for years to remedy excessive storm water runoff caused by an elevated highway. Now they’re suing.

July 9, 2025
Climate
Climate

Amid devastating Texas floods, FEMA’s delayed response raises concerns as President Trump pushes to dismantle the agency, shifting disaster management costs...

July 2, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Supreme Court let stand a $14.25 million penalty against ExxonMobil for over 16,000 Clean Air Act violations at its Baytown plant...

July 1, 2025
Climate
Climate

Recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened federal agency powers and funding, enabling the Trump administration to bypass environmental oversight...

June 27, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

Disputes over climate finance and fossil fuel phaseout stalled progress at the Bonn climate summit, threatening preparations for COP30 in Brazil.

June 25, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

Texas A&M researchers determined that climate change raised wholesale electricity prices in Texas by 20% during the summers of 2023 and 2024...

June 24, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

Scientists warn that extreme heat exacerbates air pollution, increasing health risks, especially in marginalized communities, as climate change intensifies...

June 18, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

A federal judge deemed EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's halt of $600M in environmental justice grants illegal, stating it defied Congress’ appropriations...

June 4, 2025
Environmental
Environmental

Health officials in Texas warn that rising temperatures and recent storms have created ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, increasing the risk of diseases...

June 2, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation

The Supreme Court's ruling in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County limits environmental litigation by emphasizing agency discretion under NEPA...

May 30, 2025
Legal & Legislation
Legal & Legislation

The Supreme Court unanimously restricted federal environmental reviews under NEPA to direct project impacts, easing infrastructure approvals...

May 29, 2025
Energy
Energy

Over $14 billion in U.S. clean energy projects have been canceled in 2025 due to President Trump’s rollback of climate policies, stalling industry momentum...

May 23, 2025
Climate
Climate

Zillow's analysis reveals minority homeowners, especially Black and Hispanic, face significantly higher climate risks—such as extreme heat...

May 19, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore $176 million in environmental grants cut from nonprofits and municipalities, ruling the executive branch...

May 19, 2025
Environmental
Environmental

Texas lawmakers are advancing a bill to shield oil companies from liability when treated fracking water is reused, aiming to boost water supplies amid drought