April 12th 2025.
On April 11, the Trump administration made an announcement that caused quite a stir. They declared that they would be terminating a historic settlement that had been negotiated by the Biden Administration. This settlement would have brought much-needed improvements to wastewater treatment in majority-Black communities in Alabama. The Trump administration deemed the settlement an “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.” This decision has raised many concerns and sparked outrage within the community.
According to Inside Climate News, the settlement was first negotiated by former President Joe Biden’s Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services. This was a significant move, as it marked the first time that federal civil rights laws were used to address the issue of environmental racism. This settlement would have eased the impact of this injustice on marginalized communities.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “The DOJ will no longer push ‘environmental justice’ as viewed through a distorting, DEI lens. President Trump made it clear: Americans deserve a government committed to serving every individual with dignity and respect, and to expending taxpayer resources in accordance with the national interest, not arbitrary criteria.” This statement shows the Trump administration's stance on the matter and their reasoning behind the termination of the settlement.
However, this decision has caused great concern among the residents of these affected communities. As Brock, a representative for the community, stated to Inside Climate News, “What is at stake are legitimate concerns for their health and their rights to humane living conditions. Revoking those promises based on disfavored buzzwords is arbitrary, inhumane, and ignores the substance and purposes of the Agreement.” The community had hope that this settlement would improve their living conditions and address the health hazards they have been facing for generations.
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Alabama Department of Public Health had previously stated that they were capable of addressing the sewage issues in the state. However, now, their spokesperson, Ryan Easterling, seems to have changed their tune. They claim that they do not have the authority to manage sewage issues in rural areas. Easterling stated, “The installation of sanitation systems and related infrastructure is outside the authority or responsibilities conferred upon ADPH by state law.” This has caused additional concern and frustration among the community and advocates who have been fighting for change.
United States Rep. Terri Sewell, who has been actively involved in addressing this issue, disputed the characterization of the Trump administration. She stated, “By terminating it, the Trump Administration has put its blatant disregard for the health of my constituents on full display.” She continued, “Access to adequate wastewater infrastructure is a basic human right. Without support from the Trump Administration, it is vital that the Alabama Department of Public Health continue to do its part to remedy this injustice.” Rep. Sewell has made it clear that she will continue to fight for the rights of her constituents and push for the necessary changes to address the wastewater crisis in Alabama.
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