Decision to Close EPA’s Environmental Justice Offices a Danger to Americans’ Health and Safety
WASHINGTON – An internal memo revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency will close its environmental justice offices nationwide. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin suggested that environmental justice – defined as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income” – was somehow a form of discrimination. This announcement comes in addition to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s announcement to axe $20 billion in essential climate and housing projects.
For context, the work of the EPA’s environmental justice offices spans three decades and is supported by ample research that confirms Americans who live near power plants, highways and the like have higher rates of asthma, heart disease and many other health problems.
Michelle Chan, Vice President of Programs for Friends of the Earth, gave the following statement in response:
The decision to close environmental justice offices is another example of this administration’s blatant disregard for Americans’ health and safety. It amounts to a racist attack on low-income and communities of color who suffer most from the consequences of pollution. But make no mistake – Trump’s gutting of environmental protections will impact all of us, no matter where we live. Friends of the Earth and its partners will continue to fight for environmental justice wherever we can.
Communications contact: Erika Seiber, [email protected]