Uncertain government motivations

Major decisions by the U.S. Supreme Courtin 2022created a source of uncertainty and exacerbated ongoing political polarization. In June, the Courtexpanded the Second Amendment protectionof the right to carry firearms, making it more difficult for lawmakers across the nation to regulate guns in public spaces, though President Biden signed into law the first majorgun safety legislationpassed by Congress in almost 30 years. The Court's decision tooverturn Roe v. Wadehas had a far-reaching impact on the health of those who can become pregnant, and itsrestriction of the EPA's authorityto mandate carbon emissions will likely have implications for public health. Planners should watch for how this political tension may affect the safety of community members.