Closure of EPA offices threatens rural environmental justice efforts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed its regional environmental justice offices, putting employees on leave. This decision has raised concerns among former EPA workers who believe that rural communities will face negative consequences. The regional environmental justice offices were important for ensuring fair treatment and protection for communities under environmental laws. Zealan Hoover, a former senior advisor, highlighted that pollution issues in rural areas are longstanding and that these offices played a crucial role in addressing them. In North Carolina, Sherri White-Williamson, an environmental justice advocate, pointed out that her county has faced serious pollution issues, particularly from the hog industry. This pollution has disproportionately affected low-income and communities of color, as these operations are often located near them. White-Williamson, who spent over a decade at the EPA, founded the Environmental Justice Community Action Network to help her community deal with environmental challenges. She noted that environmental justice also affects rural areas where residents may not have access to advocacy networks. Margot Brown from the Environmental Defense Fund warned that dismantling these EPA offices is harmful. It makes rural communities more vulnerable to health risks and undermines their ability to seek help for pollution-related problems. With the closing of these offices, affected communities may have to rely on state governments for support. However, state funding is also at risk due to federal budget cuts. This creates additional obstacles for rural residents trying to combat environmental health issues. Hoover summarized the situation as a "one-two punch" for rural communities, as they face both healthcare access issues and increased pollution. The overall message is that closing these offices will further burden the communities that need help the most.