1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent from Huntsville, Alabama, to express my strong opposition to the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to terminate the environmental justice settlement agreement addressing wastewater issues in Lowndes County. This action, reportedly taken in compliance with President Trump’s executive order ending federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, disregards the critical needs of a predominantly Black community suffering from longstanding public health challenges.  The settlement, aimed to rectify severe sanitation problems in Lowndes County, where inadequate infrastructure and unsuitable soil conditions have led to raw sewage exposure for residents. These conditions pose significant health risks and represent a failure to provide basic services to marginalized communities.  By terminating this agreement, the federal government is neglecting its responsibility to protect the health and well-being of all citizens, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. This decision not only undermines efforts to achieve environmental justice but also signals a troubling retreat from addressing systemic inequalities that have plagued communities like Lowndes County for decades.  I urge you to take immediate action to: 1. Advocate for the reinstatement of the environmental justice agreement in Lowndes County.  2. Oppose policies and executive orders that dismantle initiatives critical to addressing systemic disparities here in Alabama.  3. Support legislation that ensures federal agencies remain committed to protecting vulnerable communities from environmental and public health hazards. Your leadership is vital in ensuring that all Alabamians receive equitable treatment and access to essential services. As a pediatric nurse, I am also concerned about the children and pregnant women in this county that will experience grave health issues from contaminated ground water. I trust you will stand against actions that perpetuate injustice and work towards solutions that uplift every community in our state, especially the least of these. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.