US Justice Department Investigates California EPA Over Employment Discrimination Allegations

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) over allegations of discriminatory employment practices based on race, color, sex, and national origin. The Justice Department's inquiry specifically targets CalEPA's racial equity initiatives, including the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) 'Racial Equity Framework,' which applies a racial equity lens to workforce development, hiring, and promotion practices. The administration criticized these policies as race-based and in violation of equal treatment laws under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This move aligns with President Trump's broader opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which he has sought to limit through executive orders. The investigation comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California over issues including DEI, climate regulations, and other policy disputes. While the investigation is active, no determination of wrongdoing has been made, and CalEPA has yet to comment publicly.