Program Director Geoff Gisler on facing the new administration

With a second Trump administration now in place, communities across the South are feeling the impacts of funding freezes, staffing cuts, and more. Following these first chaotic months, we can expect aggressive rollbacks of critical environmental protections, favoring industry interests over public health and safety. From clean air and water to public lands and climate action, the consequences of these policy shifts will be felt in our everyday lives.

We’re spotlighting the real-world impact of these federal decisions on communities across the South. No one voted for dirty air and water, but we are seeing steps taken to allow more pollution, putting all of us and future generations at risk.

To break down what’s at stake, we sat down with SELC’s Program Director Geoff Gisler to discuss the administration’s likely approach to environmental policy, the challenges ahead, and how SELC is prepared to fight back.

What does the Trump administration seem to be signaling within the first couple months since taking office?

There’s nothing off limits. They have signaled a stark reordering of priorities — clearly showing who they support and who they oppose. The administration appears intent on serving heavily polluting industries at the expense of the rest of us by dismantling or weakening environmental protections. Their early policy shifts focus on reducing critical laws, weakening permitting processes, and limiting the public’s ability to challenge industrial projects at the federal level. This approach empowers sectors like fossil fuels and manufacturing with complete disregard for environmental and community health considerations.

As federal environmental leadership falters, where else can we advance progress?

Significant progress can still be achieved at the state and local levels. Although the Trump administration may make grand proclamations, true change happens on the ground through action. SELC is stepping in to encourage state and local governments to enforce and enhance environmental protections.

Our grassroots connections allow us to turn to local and state solutions that meet community needs, bridging the gap left by faltering federal efforts. By championing accountability and actionable change at the state and local levels, we help create a better environmental future and healthier communities.

How does SELC work with state and local groups to advance environmental policies?

One of the benefits of being an organization that’s been in this region for nearly 40 years is we have a vast network of partners, and these are the communities we live in. By engaging everyone from concerned neighborhood groups and state-level nonprofits to elected officials and national grassroots organizations, we can drive environmental policy at the state and local level. These local ties let us ensure environmental laws are enforced, even when federal oversight wanes or resources become stretched

How is SELC prepared to take on the Trump administration this time around?

We are ready to meet this moment and are already fighting back against what’s happening. SELC is well prepared to take on the second Trump administration. While they may try to sidestep the law, SELC is committed to ensuring that environmental protections are implemented fully and that public voices are heard. And we are going to make sure people know who is being affected because so often those bearing the biggest burden have the least political power.

Hope comes from where you choose to focus.

Geoff Gisler, SELC Program Director

Our more than 200 dedicated team members are working daily to counteract aggressive moves that could erode our nation’s vital environmental protections. Though discouraging headlines may paint a grim picture, within SELC, we have smart, resourceful people who are devising effective strategies to right these wrongs.

What can people do?

The most important thing people can do is resist the urge to tune out. The administration counts on people becoming overwhelmed, but our democracy only works when the public stays engaged. Speak with your elected officials and let them know what matters to you. Seek out organizations like SELC for reliable information and ways to take action.

Get involved in your community — whether it’s a local creek clean-up, attending public hearings, or supporting groups that align with your values. Strong local communities create momentum, influencing state policies, and ultimately shaping federal protections.

Pay attention to what upsets you about environmental threats — those feelings are signals of what’s important. Lean into them, find others who are taking action, and join in. Every step counts and, when enough people stand together, real change happens.

What gives you hope?

Hope comes from where you choose to focus. It’s easy to feel discouraged by all the bad news, but I see something powerful happening — people across the country are stepping up, coming together, and refusing to back down.

What gives me hope is witnessing communities staying engaged, using this moment to learn, organize, and strengthen the muscle of democracy. This isn’t just about the next few years — it’s about building something lasting. Every challenge teaches us how to fight smarter and more effectively for the future we want. I believe in the power of people to protect what matters. The more we show up, the stronger we become. And that gives me hope.