EPA Eliminates Children's Health Roles Amid Rollback of Equity Programs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is eliminating or reassigning 455 roles, including key children’s health coordinators, as part of a broader rollback of environmental justice initiatives. Among the changes, the EPA is shuttering its Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, a move critics say could dismantle decades of bipartisan efforts to protect children's environmental health. Administrator Lee Zeldin has argued that prioritizing vulnerable communities amounts to “forced discrimination,” a statement drawing strong backlash from public health experts. Children, especially those in low-income and minority neighborhoods, face heightened risks from pollution due to their developing bodies. The removal of specialized staff raises concerns about increased exposure to pollutants linked to asthma, cardiovascular issues, and other long-term health conditions. Amid growing threats like wildfire smoke and contaminated water, experts warn the EPA is retreating from its responsibility to protect the most at-risk populations — especially children — at a critical time.

28-04-2025