In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prioritized environmental justice, focusing on improving the health of communities heavily impacted by pollution, predominantly those comprised of Black, Latino, and low-income individuals. However, this initiative has come to a halt following significant changes instituted by the Trump administration.
During his first week in office, Trump dismantled a team of advisors designated to promote support across federal agencies for communities located near industrial zones, standard highways, and ports. He also rescinded the “Justice40” initiative established under President Biden, which mandated that 40% of the benefits from specific environmental projects should reach these underserved populations. Experts now warn that as the government assesses new facility proposals, pollution impacts on already affected communities might not be duly considered, potentially stymieing funding from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act aimed at climate initiatives.
Trump’s recent policy changes have nullified longstanding federal strategies from the Clinton years that sought to address the environmental health issues facing economically disadvantaged and minority groups. Additionally, he withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement, which aimed to address global climate change.
The recent policies enacted by the Trump administration appear to pursue a dual agenda: rolling back what officials describe as burdensome environmental regulations and challenging initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as noted by Joe Luppino-Esposito from the Pacific Legal Foundation. He mentioned that Trump’s orders would allow for the enforcement of environmental laws absent a focus on racial classifications.
Many experts contend that the Biden administration made significant strides in advancing environmental justice compared to its predecessors. An EPA-funded study indicated that individuals of color are more susceptible to air pollution that can lead to severe health issues. Under Biden, there were notable advancements such as new public health regulations, stricter air quality standards, and the initiation of mandates for the replacement of harmful lead pipes. Moreover, the EPA has reported historic financial penalties for Clean Air Act violations and a reduction of over 225 million pounds of pollution in overburdened communities, along with substantial funding allocated for Superfund site cleanups and low-emissions school buses.
Jade Begay, an Indigenous rights advocate in New Mexico, expressed a mixture of grief and frustration over the recent policy regression, stating they were progressing on various fronts only weeks prior to the new changes. Traditionally, grassroots environmental initiatives have fluctuated in support, depending on the prevailing political leadership. However, Biden’s approach raised the visibility of these issues, making them both a focus for funding and a target for conservative opposition, noted Christophe Courchesne, a law professor and director at the Environmental Law Center.
Daniel Gall, speaking on behalf of the EPA under Trump, stated that the agency aims to champion clean air, land, and water. He emphasized that efforts are being made to support Trump’s executive orders, although these directives starkly contrast with the previous administration’s approach. Notably, Scott Pruitt, the former EPA head during Trump’s first tenure, had regarded environmental justice discussions as pivotal for enhancing health outcomes.
The current administration has gone further by not only discarding previous policies but also directing agencies to cut jobs specifically focused on environmental justice and equity-boosting efforts, as detailed in a recent communication. This withdrawal extends to private sector diversity initiatives, indicating a wider reach of these policy alterations than many expected.
Despite Biden’s commendable efforts, critics like Anne Rolfes of the Louisiana Bucket Brigade claimed that the administration lacked sufficient enforcement of existing laws, allowing polluters excessive leeway in industrialized regions like Louisiana. Moving forward under Trump’s administration could intensify an already lax regulatory environment.
Ash LaMont of Honor The Earth remarked on the dismay felt within the environmental community and emphasized the need for sustained local organizing in the face of these shifts. She mentioned that community groups now face the challenge of continuing their vital work without federal assistance, a sentiment echoed by Peggy Shepard from WE ACT for Environmental Justice. Shepard warned that advocacy would need to pivot to state and local levels, which could pose extreme challenges in conservative states with resistance to such initiatives.
“This rollback marks a significant regression for communities facing these pressing environmental challenges,” Shepard concluded, underlining the uphill battle that looms ahead amidst this political pivot.
