Climate groups get a reprieve from Trump’s rumored Earth Day massacre

Rumors have abounded that the Trump administration would issue an Earth Day order seeking to revoke the IRS tax-exempt status of climate focused groups and foundations.

It could still happen, and if it does, such a radical and likely illegal move would be challenged in court.

Law experts say the administration can’t just revoke an entity’s tax exemption with the stroke of a pen.

A local Sunrise Movement chapter leader says losing tax-exempt status would have a drastic effect on the youth climate movement.

Sunrise would probably survive, but as a shell of its former self, he says.

Members are hesitant about staging protests, and have instituted a network of Signal chats and a vetting process for young people hoping to get involved.