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LCV Statement on Trump Administration’s Plans to Dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Program

Mar 9, 2017

Betsy Lopez-Wagner, 202-454-4570, blopez-wagner@lcv.org

Washington, DC—In response to the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Justice program and the resignation of the program’s 24-year leader, Mustafa Ali, League of Conservation Voters President Gene Karpinski issued the following statement:

“With proposed deep budget cuts to the EPA and the dismantling of its environmental justice program, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and the Trump administration have been loud and clear that they intend to place the heaviest burden on low income and communities of color to deal with pollution and polluters on their own. It’s deeply troubling that environmental justice champion Mustafa Ali was forced to work in this hostile environment and therefore stepped down from a crucial position at EPA.

Communities who need the most protection from toxics, dirty air and water and the harshest impacts of climate change mustn’t be forgotten at the highest levels of government or in the halls of Congress. Budget cuts that put polluters profits before the health of our communities is not what our nation or planet needs. We must ensure that racism is not feeding the denial of justice and environmental protection for all. LCV will continue to fight for a safe and secure planet.”