Suspension of EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights Employees
Nearly 170 employees at the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights were placed on administrative leave, potentially putting the environmental justice program at EPA at risk.
Key Points
- Impact of administrative leave on EPA's environmental justice program.
- History and growth of environmental justice efforts at EPA.
- Potential risks to community-led projects and funds directed towards environmental justice.
Pros
- The Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights has overseen and administered over $3 billion in grants and loans related to climate and environmental justice.
- Federal climate and environmental benefits were directed towards communities historically subjected to the worst pollution.
Cons
- The suspension of nearly 170 employees puts the environmental justice program at EPA at risk.
- President Trump has expressed interest in getting rid of the office altogether, potentially impacting environmental justice efforts.