Week of June 2, 2025
Facts and Faith in Five – Environmental Justice and Project 2025
Submitted by Rev. Earle J. Fisher, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Abyssinian Baptist Church (Memphis)
Each Sunday, I, along with the clergy and clergy organizations that constitute the African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee—which is a 501(c)4 advocacy organization of Black clergy across this state—will be sharing a weekly update called “Facts and Faith in Five.”
FACTS
Project 2025, a conservative policy blueprint spearheaded by The Heritage Foundation and supported by allies of President Donald Trump, proposes radical rollbacks across federal agencies—including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This plan seeks to strip the EPA of its ability to regulate air and water pollution effectively and dismantle key environmental justice protections.
But here’s the thing: we are already feeling the effects in Tennessee—especially in Memphis.
In the 38109 zip code—home to Box Town and South Memphis—residents are now forced to breathe air polluted by 35 gas turbines installed to power Elon Musk’s xAI data center. xAI claims the turbines are “temporary,” allowing them to bypass permitting for hazardous pollutants like nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde.
This loophole exists because of weakened federal regulations and diminished EPA enforcement power, much of which began under the Trump administration. And if Project 2025 becomes a reality, it will only get worse.
FAITH
The Bible reminds us in Psalm 24:1, “The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” We are stewards, not saboteurs, of creation. As Black faith leaders and community members, we must resist any political project that turns our communities into dumping grounds for corporate greed and government neglect.
Our ancestors tilled this land and survived environmental violence for centuries. Today, we must fight not just for survival but for sustainability—for clean air, clean water, and dignified living.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Here are 3 steps we can take together:
- LOCALLY – Demand the Memphis City Council and Shelby County Commission create stronger environmental oversight for industrial development—no more rubber-stamping polluters without community consent.
- STATEWIDE – Urge the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to review outdated permitting loopholes and increase inspections in vulnerable communities.
- FEDERALLY – Stay alert and vote accordingly. The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and we must elect leaders who will protect—not gut—the EPA and environmental safeguards.
Let’s stay rooted in the truth, grounded in faith, and committed to action.
Because if we don’t protect our air, our water, and our children—who will?
In solidarity and stewardship,
Rev. Earle J. Fisher, Ph.D.
African American Clergy Collective of Tennessee