"The EPA on Thursday put 168 employees within its environmental justice office on administrative leave as the Trump administration executes presidential actions to roll back diversity initiatives.

The affected staffers’ functions “did not relate to the agency’s statutory duties or grant work,” an Environmental Protection Agency spokeswoman said.

The agency “is in the process of evaluating new structure and organization to ensure we are meeting our mission of protecting human health and the environment for all Americans,” the spokeswoman said.

The move to dismantle the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights is consistent with an executive order President Donald Trump signed on his first day, directing the government to terminate diversity and environmental justice offices and positions."

Stephen Lee reports for Bloomberg Environment February 6, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Bondi Orders DOJ To Terminate Environmental Justice Programs" (E&E News) [3]

"Trump Administration Cuts Environmental Justice Programs At EPA, DOJ, Sources Say" (Reuters) [4]

"Trump Moves To Shutter Environmental Offices Across The Government" (Washington Post) [5]

"HHS Climate Office Goes Dark Under Trump" (E&E News) [6]

"EPA Staff Who Assist Heavily Polluted Communities Are Put On Leave" (New York Times) [7]