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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the firing or reassignment of over 450 employees working on environmental justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed that 280 employees would be fired and 175 reassigned. The affected roles are in the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and various EPA regional offices.
The decision is part of a broader effort to dismantle programs initiated by the Biden-Harris Administration. Zeldin stated that funds allocated for environmental justice were often misused. He emphasized that the EPA is taking steps to terminate these programs to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
The move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that these cuts will disproportionately affect minority and low-income communities facing high pollution levels. Supporters of the programs highlight their importance in addressing environmental disparities, particularly in Black communities, but also for poor white Americans.
The EPA's decision reflects a shift in focus under President Donald Trump's administration, prioritizing cost-cutting measures over diversity and environmental justice initiatives.