Project 2025
A controversial policy blueprint developed by conservative groups that outlines sweeping changes to the federal government if Republicans regain control of the White House in 2025. Some key proposals that critics view as potentially destructive include:
How project 2025 will impact Texas
Environmental Rollbacks
– Eliminating offices within the Department of Energy that promote renewable energy transition
– Blocking expansion of the electrical grid to accommodate clean energy sources
– Massive growth of natural gas infrastructure like pipelines
– Wiping out funding for environmental justice work at the EPA
Immigration Crackdown
– Replacing the Department of Homeland Security with a new “stand-alone border and immigration agency”
– Implementing large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants
Government Restructuring
– Radically downsizing agencies like the EPA
– Placing key agencies under control of pro-fossil fuel officials
– Expanding powers of the Executive Office of the President
-Eliminating some agencies entirely, like the Department of Education – Goodbye HeadStart!
– Downsizing and overhauling others, including a “top-to-bottom overhaul” of the DOJ and FBI
– Consolidating certain agencies, like combining immigration enforcement units
Civil Service Changes
– Reclassifying tens of thousands of civil service jobs as political positions under presidential control and implementing a loyalty test for office
– Eliminating job protections for many government employees
– Reintroducing Schedule F to make it easier to fire certain senior career officials
Policy Shifts
– Severely restricting climate change research and environmental protections
– Ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs across government
– Overhauling agencies to promote fossil fuels over renewable energy
Scientific Independence
– Jeopardizing the independence of federal scientists and undermining their influence on policy
– Imposing more political control over traditionally nonpartisan scientific institutions
Other Proposals
– Restricting new scientific research
– Rolling back legislation passed during Biden’s term
– Slashing funding for government programs across the board
Critics argue these changes would undermine climate action, civil liberties, and the overall functioning of the federal government. These proposals would fundamentally alter the structure, workforce, and priorities of many federal agencies if implemented. Critics argue it would undermine the civil service system and insert more political control into agency operations and scientific work.
Sources:
[1] Fact Sheets: The Harmful Effects of Project 2025, by State https://www.americanprogress.org/article/fact-sheets-the-harmful-effects-of-project-2025-by-state/
[2] What is Project 2025? Wish list for a Trump presidency, explained https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c977njnvq2do
[3] What Is Project 2025? Trump’s Potential Policy Agenda Explained … https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/07/30/project-2025-explained-what-to-know-about-the-controversial-right-wing-policy-map-for-trump-as-director-steps-down/
[4] What to Know about Project 2025’s Dangers to Science https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/project-2025-plan-for-trump-presidency-has-far-reaching-threats-to-science/
[5] Project 2025 and your federal job: Better read up on this one https://federalnewsnetwork.com/tom-temin-commentary/2024/07/project-25-and-your-federal-job-better-read-up-on-this-one/