The Trump administration is taking a strong stance against diversity efforts and tackling climate change within federal agencies. It has recently put around 170 workers from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice office on leave, according to a report from NPR.
Additionally, the EPA’s online tool, EJScreen, which helped map environmental hazards and socioeconomic factors, is now unavailable. This tool played a vital role in assessing how pollution impacts marginalized communities.
Ean Thomas Tafoya, vice president of state programs for GreenLatinos, expressed concerns from environmental leaders and academics about the potential disappearance of important data related to climate change. He emphasized the need to protect this information, especially for future reference when the political climate shifts.
Alongside the cuts to the EPA, reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering halving the staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency crucial for climate research and informing communities about potential climate impacts. Andrew Rosenberg, a former NOAA researcher, highlighted the importance of NOAA’s role in helping communities prepare for climate change. He stated that downsizing this agency could leave communities unprepared for critical challenges.
Furthermore, federal agencies such as the EPA and NOAA play significant roles in Colorado, with offices and laboratories located in the region. Tafoya stressed that their work is vital for understanding weather patterns and ensuring timely responses to inclement weather.
Changes in the administration have also impacted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Recently, the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and the National Center for Atmospheric Research closed their DEI offices. Rosenberg noted that those pushing for these cuts often lack understanding of the importance of such programs.
Tafoya added that a diverse workforce helps agencies connect better with underserved communities. For instance, being able to speak another language can improve communication and outreach in diverse areas.
Both Tafoya and Rosenberg recognize the need to address the historical inequities tied to environmental harm. Tafoya pointed out that issues like redlining have contributed to environmental injustices, affecting the communities that are often overlooked.
GreenLatinos is shifting its focus toward mobilizing communities to respond to changes in environmental regulations. Tafoya mentioned the necessity of community input in these processes, emphasizing the importance of voices in advocating for environmental protections.
