Lee Zeldin, the newly appointed administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has made a controversial decision to eliminate all diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice offices and positions within the agency. This move, outlined in an internal memo obtained by CBS News, has sparked outrage and concern among environmental advocates and former EPA employees.
The memo, dated Tuesday, March 11, reveals that the Environmental Justice Divisions within 10 EPA regional offices will be reorganized and ultimately eliminated. This decision follows the closure of the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights at EPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., where 168 employees were placed on administrative leave. While a few employees were later reinstated, the overall impact of these closures on staffing levels remains unclear.
Zeldin justified these actions by citing President Trump’s executive order on “ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferences,” along with two other executive actions. In a statement provided to CBS News, Zeldin emphasized the need to eliminate what he referred to as “forced discrimination programs” and focus on directly addressing environmental issues without regard to individuals’ backgrounds.
During a press availability, Zeldin reiterated his commitment to ensuring that everyone qualifies for support from the EPA without facing discrimination or unnecessary barriers. However, the closure of environmental justice offices and the displacement of employees have raised concerns about the agency’s ability to effectively serve marginalized communities and address environmental inequalities.
Matthew Tejada, a former deputy assistant administrator at the Office of Environmental Justice, expressed dismay over the dismantling of these programs, noting that years of progress and community relationships are now at risk. He highlighted the invaluable institutional knowledge and connections that are being lost as a result of these closures, jeopardizing the EPA’s ability to effectively engage with and support impacted communities.
The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights was established in 1992 under former President George H.W. Bush to address the disproportionately high and adverse health and environmental impacts on minority and low-income populations. Over the years, the office underwent various reorganizations, with a significant expansion occurring in 2022 under former President Joe Biden.
In September 2022, the office received a substantial grant of $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act, enabling it to become a national program with regional offices in 10 locations. This expansion aimed to enhance the EPA’s efforts in addressing environmental pollution and supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
The sudden closure of these offices and the displacement of employees have raised concerns about the agency’s commitment to environmental justice and equitable practices. Critics argue that the decision to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives undermines the EPA’s mandate to protect public health and the environment for all communities, particularly those most vulnerable to environmental harm.
Environmental advocates, former EPA employees, and community leaders have called for transparency and accountability in the EPA’s decision-making process, urging the agency to reconsider its approach to addressing environmental justice issues. The elimination of these vital programs and offices threatens to erode the progress made in advancing environmental equity and addressing environmental injustices across the country.
As the EPA moves forward with these changes, the future of environmental justice within the agency remains uncertain. The impact of these closures on affected communities, employees, and the EPA’s overall mission to protect public health and the environment will undoubtedly be closely monitored and scrutinized in the coming months.
