U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are backing new legislation to create a permanent Office of Environmental Justice in the Department of Justice. This move comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent decision to dismantle environmental justice initiatives, a step taken after former President Donald Trump ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs across federal agencies.
Senator Wyden stated, “This attack on environmental justice impacts millions who depend on clean air and water.” He argued that federal agencies should protect communities, not undermine efforts that promote health for future generations. Wyden criticized the previous administration for worsening the climate crisis and affecting vulnerable populations.
Merkley shared Wyden’s concerns, emphasizing that everyone deserves access to clean air and water, no matter where they live. He pointed out that the rollback of these initiatives has put at-risk communities in even more danger. Merkley noted, “The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act tackles these issues by ensuring protections are in place and that polluters are held accountable. This legislation is about giving all communities, especially those hit hardest by pollution, the resources they need for a healthier future.”
Introduced by Senator Alex Padilla from California, the proposed bill aims to strengthen the Department of Justice’s role in enforcing environmental regulations. Notably, it includes $50 million in annual grants to help state and local governments with environmental enforcement.
Senator Wyden has a history of championing environmental justice. He previously introduced legislation focused on reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change, such as his initiatives included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This act aimed to cut emissions, provide federal funding for wildfire and drought responses, and lower prescription drug prices across the nation.
In 2019, Wyden also proposed a bill to simplify energy tax codes, consolidating over 40 incentives into three based on emissions. This legislation aimed to create jobs and help tackle the climate crisis through tax credits for facilities reporting low or zero carbon emissions.
The new legislation details the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice. This role will involve developing strategies, managing grant programs, encouraging public involvement in decision-making, and supporting training for local governments on environmental law enforcement. It also requires the Attorney General to set up a grant program within 180 days of the Act’s passage to enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing these laws.
The bill has received support from a range of lawmakers, including Senators Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Edward J. Markey, Bernie Sanders, Adam Schiff, and Chris Van Hollen, among others.
Source link
Environmental Justice,Legislation,Senators,Clean Air,Clean Water,Climate Crisis,Polluters,Grant Funding
