Understanding the Threat to Environmental Justice: How the Trump Administration Undermines DEI and Climate Research

The Trump administration has been making significant changes that affect diversity initiatives and climate change efforts. Reports indicate that around 170 workers from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were put on leave, particularly from the Environmental Justice office.

One notable impact is the removal of the EPA’s EJScreen tool. This tool was crucial for mapping environmental issues like air and water quality and understanding how marginalized communities face greater risks from pollution. It helped identify where assistance was needed the most.

Ean Thomas Tafoya, vice president of the nonprofit GreenLatinos, expressed concern that valuable research and data related to climate change were under threat due to these changes. His organization focuses on engaging Latino communities to advocate for better environmental policies.

Tafoya stated, “We want to preserve this information for the future, ensuring we don’t lose the progress we’ve made.”

Additionally, there’s talk of cutting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) staff in half. NOAA plays a significant role in climate research and provides vital information to local communities about climate impacts. Andrew Rosenberg, who has experience with NOAA, warned that reduced staff would hinder their ability to inform and prepare communities for weather-related challenges.

Both Tafoya and Rosenberg highlighted the importance of these agencies in their local areas, stressing that these researchers are part of the community. If these agencies face downsizing, it could lead to job losses that affect local economies.

Changes to diversity and inclusion programs have also emerged. Recently, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research closed their offices dedicated to diversity initiatives.

Rosenberg criticized the administration for not understanding the value of these programs. He noted that cutting diversity initiatives overlooks the need for varied perspectives in addressing challenges, especially in science and environmental work.

Tafoya echoed this sentiment, noting that having a diverse workforce can help agencies engage effectively with diverse communities. For instance, having bilingual staff can improve communication in regions with significant non-English-speaking populations.

He connected these concerns to broader issues of historical racism and environmental harm, pointing out that marginalized communities often suffer the most from industrial pollution and inadequate enforcement of environmental laws.

In response to changes in environmental regulations, organizations like GreenLatinos are mobilizing community members to voice their opinions, ensuring that local perspectives are included in decision-making processes.

As regulations are reconsidered, community input will be vital. Tafoya emphasized the importance of submitting comments and participating in hearings to influence policy decisions that affect environmental justice.