Attorney General Pam Bondi rescinded a Biden-era directive Wednesday that prioritized enforcing environmental laws in disadvantaged and low-income communities, reversing policies by her predecessor, Merrick Garland, The Hill reported.
Garland, issued the policy in 2022, directing federal prosecutors to focus environmental enforcement efforts on communities historically underserved in such actions. The policy aimed to address pollution and other environmental hazards that disproportionately affect low-income and majority-minority communities.
In a memo to U.S. attorneys, Bondi rescinded Garland's guidance, stating that the Justice Department must ensure the "even-handed administration of justice" without favoring specific groups. The reversal aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to roll back Biden-era climate and environmental policies.
Garland's directive also led to the creating of the Justice Department's Office of Environmental Justice, which coordinated enforcement actions in vulnerable communities.
The Washington Post reported that the office was disbanded after President Donald Trump's inauguration; its website now redirects to an error message.
The Justice Department has not commented on the office's status.
The Trump administration has taken several steps to reverse environmental policies implemented under President Joe Biden. Shortly after taking office, Trump ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, as he had during his first term.
The Environmental Protection Agency also halted the disbursement of climate-related grants under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, confirmed last week, has also moved to accelerate energy development on federal lands and waters.
Following Trump's declaration of an "energy emergency" on Inauguration Day, Burgum instructed the Interior Department to identify legal avenues to fast-track permitting and development.
The move is part of the Trump administration's broader effort to dismantle programs it perceives as linked to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Several federal offices and programs addressing racial disparities have faced scrutiny under the new leadership.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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