Top Environmental Issues Facing the U.S. in 2025

As we enter 2025, the United States continues to face a range of pressing environmental issues that demand legal, political, and public attention. From extreme weather events linked to climate change to the contamination of drinking water, these challenges are reshaping how we think about sustainability, environmental justice, and the role of legal frameworks in protecting our planet. In this article, we examine the top environmental concerns currently affecting the country and the legal responses available to address them.

1. Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Climate change remains one of the most urgent environmental issues in the U.S. Rising global temperatures are driving more intense hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and droughts. These events not only cause billions in economic damage but also displace communities and increase public health risks. Federal laws like the Clean Air Act (CAA) and international agreements such as the Paris Accord are key tools in reducing carbon emissions. However, enforcement and implementation remain ongoing challenges, particularly in states that rely heavily on fossil fuels.

In addition to regulatory action, climate litigation is on the rise. Environmental attorneys are increasingly filing lawsuits against corporations and government entities for failing to mitigate emissions or prepare communities for climate-related disasters. These legal efforts seek to hold polluters accountable while pushing for stronger climate resilience planning at both local and national levels.

2. Water Pollution and Access to Clean Water

Water contamination continues to plague many regions across the country. High-profile cases such as the Flint water crisis have drawn national attention to aging infrastructure and lax enforcement of water safety standards. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been detected in drinking water in dozens of states, posing significant long-term health risks.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) are vital legal instruments in addressing these challenges. Legal action under these statutes often focuses on enforcing standards for drinking water quality, penalizing violators, and requiring cleanup or remediation efforts. Environmental lawyers play a crucial role in representing affected communities and pressuring agencies to update outdated water systems and enforce stricter pollution controls.

3. Environmental Justice and Community Health

Low-income and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. These communities often live near industrial plants, waste sites, and high-traffic highways, exposing residents to elevated levels of air and water pollution. The environmental justice movement seeks to correct these inequities by promoting fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental policy decisions.

The Biden administration has emphasized environmental justice as a national priority, establishing the Justice40 Initiative and strengthening the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice. Legal tools used to support these communities include the Civil Rights Act, NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), and state-level environmental statutes. Lawyers working in this area often file lawsuits to block harmful developments or advocate for stronger environmental reviews.

4. Biodiversity Loss and Habitat Destruction

The loss of biodiversity due to urban expansion, deforestation, and industrial activities poses a threat to ecological balance. Iconic species such as the monarch butterfly and various amphibians are now endangered due to habitat loss and pesticide use. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) remains the primary legal mechanism for protecting wildlife and their ecosystems in the U.S.

Environmental lawyers often work on habitat conservation plans, challenge developments that threaten sensitive areas, and advocate for stronger regulatory protections. These efforts require coordination with wildlife biologists, urban planners, and policymakers to create sustainable solutions that protect natural habitats while accommodating responsible development.

5. Waste Management and Recycling Failures

Despite efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling, the U.S. still generates over 290 million tons of solid waste annually. Improper disposal of hazardous waste, electronic waste, and plastics continues to pollute land and waterways. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) governs the management of solid and hazardous waste, but enforcement varies widely by state.

Legal action in this area may involve prosecuting illegal dumping, improving landfill regulations, and holding manufacturers accountable for product lifecycle management. Environmental attorneys are also pushing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that require companies to take back and recycle their products, reducing the burden on municipal systems.

How Legal Advocacy Makes a Difference

Environmental lawyers are essential in addressing these urgent issues. By leveraging legal tools and community advocacy, they can influence policy, hold polluters accountable, and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind. If you or your community are facing any of these challenges, consulting with an experienced environmental attorney can provide clarity and support.

Take Action Today

Our firm is committed to providing strategic, compassionate, and effective legal representation for individuals, businesses, and communities impacted by environmental issues. Contact us to learn how we can help you make a difference for your future—and the future of our planet.