Decades of Progress at Risk: How Rollbacks on Environmental Justice Leave Vulnerable Communities Exposed | Milwaukee Independent

For four years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focused on environmental justice, aiming to improve health in communities affected by pollution, especially those with large Black, Latino, and low-income White populations. However, that commitment has waned.

In his first week in office, President Donald Trump dismantled a team of White House advisors tasked with aiding these vulnerable communities. He also scrapped the “Justice40” initiative established by the Biden Administration, which mandated that 40% of benefits from specific environmental programs reach the most affected areas.

Experts warn that under the current administration, reviews of new industrial projects may overlook the pollution these projects could generate, worsening existing environmental issues. Trump’s decisions may limit funding from key climate laws, like the Inflation Reduction Act, that aim to support these affected communities.

Trump’s actions also reversed federal policy that had been in place since the Clinton era, which prioritized addressing environmental health challenges for low-income and minority groups. He withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, which focused on tackling climate change.

According to Joe Luppino-Esposito, a federal policy chief, the new administration aims to roll back what they view as restrictive environmental regulations. He argues that past discrimination shouldn’t justify future inequities.

Many believe President Joe Biden had a significant impact on environmental justice, producing more progress than previous administrations. For example, an EPA study showed that Black individuals, regardless of income, face higher exposure to pollution linked to heart and lung issues.

The Biden Administration implemented new public health regulations, tightened air pollution standards, and proposed mandates to replace harmful lead pipes. They even issued the largest fine under the federal Clean Air Act, resulting in a reduction of over 225 million pounds of pollution in impacted communities.

Federal grants supported clean-ups of polluted sites and the purchase of low-emission school buses. The EPA established an office dedicated to advancing environmental justice initiatives.

Jade Begay, an Indigenous rights and climate activist, expressed sorrow over these recent setbacks. She recognized that while progress had been made, the change in administration poses new challenges for grassroots movements that have often had to navigate fluctuating government support.

Christophe Courchesne, a law professor, pointed out that environmental justice has become a focal point in a broader debate on diversity and inclusion, igniting conservative pushback.

Trump’s recent orders represent a more extensive reversal than during his previous term. His former EPA head, Scott Pruitt, had acknowledged the importance of addressing environmental justice. However, the current administration’s stance seems to undermine decades of progress on environmental discrimination.

These changes extend beyond public policies; efforts to remove diversity and inclusion initiatives in the private sector are also underway, surprising some observers.

Anne Rolfes, from the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, noted that while the Biden Administration made strides in tackling pollution, enforcement fell short, giving polluters too much leeway in heavily industrialized areas.

As changes unfold, Ash LaMont from Honor The Earth emphasized the need for local communities to strategize for lasting progress despite federal withdrawal. Peggy Shepard of WE ACT for Environmental Justice predicted a shift toward state and local advocacy, which may be challenging, especially in areas resistant to such efforts.

These developments leave many, particularly those in frontline communities, feeling uncertain about the future of environmental protections and the fight for justice in the face of increasing industrial encroachment.

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