Author: Tracy J. Wholf  Published: 03/12/2025     CBS NEWS

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin

It’s the latest move by the Trump administration to undo long-standing efforts to confront pollution-exposure inequities.

Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin is “eliminating all diversity, equity and inclusion and environmental justice offices and positions immediately,” according to screenshots of an internal memo obtained by CBS News.

The move means the Environmental Justice Divisions within 10 EPA regional offices will be reorganized and eliminated. EPA headquarters already closed its Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights in D.C. and placed 168 employees on administrative leave, although it did reinstate a handful of those people.

In the memo, dated Tuesday, March 11, Zeldin said this action is in response to President Trump’s executive order on “ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferences,” as well as two other executive actions.

The EPA confirmed the closures at regional offices.

“President Trump was elected with a mandate from the American people,” Zeldin said in a statement provided to CBS News. “Part of this mandate includes the elimination of forced discrimination programs.”