EPA puts more than 160 employees tackling pollution on leave

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), led by former Rep. Lee Zeldin (RN.Y.), has more than 160 workers tackling pollution in overloaded communities during holidays.

The employees were part of an environmental justice agency that sought to support people in areas with significant levels of contamination, including minority neighborhoods.

EPA spokesman Molly Vaseliou confirmed that 168 staff from the office were on leave because “their functions are not related to the agency's legal duties or grants.”

Vaseliou also cited President Trump's executive order directing all federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) staff to be on leave, with the EPA saying “evaluating new structures and organizations to protect them.” We guarantee that we meet our mission.” Human health and environment for all Americans. ”

According to an email sent to staff and obtained from the hill, the employee was told they would receive pay and benefits despite not being able to do the job.

In addition to suspension, a tool known as ejscreen, This showed how pollution data intersects with demographic and revenue data was offline as of Friday.

Research, including studies conducted by the EPA, found that Black Americans, especially face high levels of pollution, and that the disparities they face are more pronounced than the disparities that poor people face.

Matthew Tejada, a former EPA environmental justice officer, said the move “shows that this administration's chest is banging about clean air, clean water and clean land.

“Our country's communities face the biggest pollution challenges and most of us need the most help from the government to enjoy the same clean environment as normal,” he said. said.

Tejada also said the communities being helped by the office are “facing some of the most dangerous things humans can face,” such as lead and toxic substances. “Eternal chemicals: and PCB and radioactive waste.