New Report Highlights Devastating Impact of Federal Cuts on Latino Communities Across the U.S.
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Stakeholders discussed findings and issued urgent call to action during virtual press briefing
Click here to view the press briefing recording
WASHINGTON — Today, Climate Power En Acción hosted a virtual press briefing to unveil its latest report, Trump Climate Policy Impacts on Latino Communities, which details the far-reaching consequences of federal funding cuts on Latino communities across the country. The report focuses on the rollback of climate, clean energy, and environmental justice initiatives, revealing how these cuts have disproportionately harmed Latino populations.
The event featured leading voices from Latino climate and environment organizations, including a former NOAA scientist directly impacted by the cuts. Through powerful personal stories and expert analysis, they shared insights that exemplified the report’s findings and underscored the urgent need for action.
“We have heard so many stories of how Latinos are being affected by Trump’s policies, but this report finally brings all the information together,” Antonieta Cádiz, Deputy Executive Director for Climate Power En Acción, said. “What appears is proof that Latinos are hurting. This report highlights how the cancellation and delay of dozens of federal grants expanding access to clean energy and aimed at addressing environmental injustices have a tangible impact on our communities and we can’t stay silent.”
These federal rollbacks are disrupting the work of a number of Latino-serving organizations striving to protect and uplift their communities.
“Terminating federal grants supporting clean energy and environmental initiatives is a direct blow to Latino communities already on the frontline of toxic pollution and climate disasters,” said Mark Magaña, Founding President and CEO of GreenLatinos. “Organizations like ours, dedicated to supporting Latinos working for clean air, sustainable communities, and climate justice, are put at risk with these rollbacks that deepen the very inequities we aim to address. Our communities deserve better.”
Latino communities are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and environmental injustice — often living in high-risk areas, working in hazardous jobs, and navigating language barriers that compound these challenges.
“This administration’s recent actions are already debilitating NOAA’s mission with direct impact to human activities,” said Dr. Manuel Castellote, former federal employee and NOAA scientist. “NOAA provides vital services in managing fisheries, like defining the opening and closing of fisheries, or setting catch limits, and ensures compliance with fisheries regulations for sustainable operations. Mass termination of employees, eliminating programs, and cutting funding, will only exacerbate the harm to our ocean ecosystems and ultimately impact many communities.”
The report urges renewed investment in local climate justice efforts and highlights the pressing need for policymakers to recognize this funding crisis as an emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Key Findings:
- $2.37 Billion in Federal Funding at Risk: Since January 2025, at least 43 federal grants, loans, and contracts serving Latino communities have been delayed, threatened, or canceled.
- Disproportionate Climate Impacts: Latino communities, already at heightened risk from climate change, have seen essential clean energy, environmental justice, and disaster resilience projects defunded.
Examples of Canceled or Delayed Projects:- A $20 million Environmental Justice grant in Bakersfield, CA, intended to reduce pollution and provide clean energy job training.
- A $7.5 million contract between the U.S. Forest Service and Hispanic Communications Network to increase access to key Forest Service programs for underserved communities.
- A $4 million Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant in Fort Worth, TX, designated for affordable, energy-efficient housing.
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About the Report
The Trump Policy Impacts on Latino Communities examines the consequences of recent federal policy changes on climate and energy programs in areas with significant Hispanic and Latino populations. Using data from the 2024 U.S. Census, the report analyzes how these funding cuts are weakening support systems in vulnerable regions and highlights the need for equitable investment in climate and infrastructure.
About Climate Power En Acción
Climate Power En Acción is a project by Climate Power focused on executing an effective communications strategy through paid and earned media, grounded in research, surveys, and creative content. It aims to drive the national and local climate narrative for Latinos, with the goal of supporting a transition to a green economy and securing climate progress for future generations.
About GreenLatinos
GreenLatinos is an active comunidad of Latino/a/e leaders, emboldened by the power and wisdom of our culture, united to demand equity and dismantle racism. We are resourced to win our environmental, conservation, and climate justice battles, and driven to secure our political, economic, cultural, and environmental liberation.