The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a significant announcement, putting 168 staffers on administrative leave. These employees were working on addressing pollution in communities of color, low-income, and rural areas.
Understanding the Context
This move represents the most recent and comprehensive action by the EPA to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda, particularly focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion activities across the federal government.
Contrastingly, the Biden administration had previously emphasized increasing the agency’s attention on environmental justice communities that historically faced a disproportionate share of pollution. However, the current administration has opted to roll back these efforts as part of its broader initiatives.
EPA’s Statement
EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou clarified the rationale behind this decision, stating that career staff assessed the statutory duties and core mission functions of Office of Environmental Justice employees. As a result, 168 staffers were placed on administrative leave due to their roles not aligning with the agency’s core responsibilities or grant work.
Following a hastily organized meeting, affected employees received formal notifications indicating their administrative leave status with full pay and benefits. Notably, this action was not disciplinary in nature, as confirmed in an email obtained by POLITICO.
Employee Reactions
According to sources present at the meeting, not all environmental justice office employees were in attendance. These sources, requesting anonymity, expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding the office’s future structure and operations.
Theresa Segovia, the acting overseer of the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, informed attendees that leave notices were issued to employees whose roles were at least 50% focused on environmental justice work and were not mandated by statute.
Uncertainties Ahead
With the creation of the environmental justice office in 2022 under President Joe Biden, questions arise regarding its continuity and functions. Notably, the office handles complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in addition to providing essential support in various operational areas.
Previously, the agency had placed a few workers on leave from the now-closed Office of Inclusive Excellence, which was instrumental in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the EPA.
