1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The internal memo from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin directing "the reorganization and elimination" of all environmental justice offices across the agency's regional and national offices signals a concerning shift in priorities. While the office closures have not occurred yet, the intent to dismantle these critical programs designed to address the disproportionate pollution burdens on poor and minority communities is deeply troubling. Environmental justice efforts aim to ensure fair treatment and meaningful involvement for all people regardless of demographics when it comes to environmental policies and enforcement. Eliminating infrastructure specifically dedicated to this mission raises fears that the agency will turn a blind eye to the well-documented inequities that result in higher rates of health issues like asthma and heart disease for vulnerable populations living near polluting facilities. Only Congress can close the department, and the executive branch's continued overreach is deeply concerning. I urge you to intervene and prevent the dismantling of these offices, which play a vital role in protecting marginalized communities from environmental harm.