WASHINGTON, D.C. (KATU) — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have voiced their support for new legislation that seeks to permanently establish the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.

This legislative push comes in response to Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order dismantling environmental justice efforts, following an executive order by former President Donald Trump that ended Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives across federal agencies.

“The attack on environmental justice is an attack on the millions of Americans relying on clean air and clean water across our country,” said Wyden.

“Federal agencies have a responsibility to protect our communities – not tear down solutions that keep people healthy for generations. Trump and his oil-loving cronies are not just making the climate crisis worse. They are also harming the most vulnerable communities in America.”

Merkley echoed similar sentiments and emphasized the need for environmental protections.

“Everyone, in every corner of Oregon—and across the country—deserves clean air, clean water, and protection from climate chaos. Unfortunately, the dismantling of environmental justice efforts by the Trump Administration has left our most vulnerable communities exposed to even greater risks,” Merkley said.

“The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act addresses these disparities by codifying vital protections, holding polluters accountable, and ensuring that every community, especially those most impacted by climate disasters and toxic pollution, has the necessary tools to secure a healthier, safer future.”

The proposed legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla of California, aims to enhance the Department of Justice’s ability to enforce environmental laws and hold polluters accountable. It includes provisions for $50 million in annual grant funding to support state and local environmental enforcement efforts.

Senator Wyden has been a longstanding advocate for environmental justice, having introduced previous legislation to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, such as his Clean Energy and Prescription Drug pricing Legislation, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. The legislation’s goal was to cut carbon emissions, add federal funds to fight against wildfires and drought, nd lower prescription drug costs in Oregon and nationwide.

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Wyden also introduced legislation in 2019 to consolidate more than 40 energy incentives into three emissions-based incentives to overhaul energy tax codes, create more jobs and combat the climate crisis. The bill provided an emissions-based and technology-neutral tax credit for all facilities that reported zero or net negative carbon emissions, as well as other incentives.

The new legislation outlines duties for the Director of the Office of Environmental Justice, including developing an environmental justice strategy, administering grant programs, promoting public participation in decision-making processes, and providing support for state and local environmental enforcement training. It also mandates that the Attorney General establish a grant program within 180 days of the Act’s enactment to improve the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments to enforce environmental laws related to environmental justice.

The bill has garnered support from several other lawmakers, including Senators Richard Blumenthal, Cory Booker, Tammy Duckworth, Edward J. Markey, Bernie Sanders, Adam Schiff, Chris Van Hollen, and multiple U.S. Representatives.