Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that he has closed an agency-themed museum established under the Biden administration.
“I’m currently standing inside of this museum, which was built and curated by the Biden administration with $4 million in taxpayer dollars,” Zeldin stated. “As if this wasn’t enough of a price tag, to fill a room the size of an apartment, this shrine to environmental justice and climate change costs the American taxpayer $600,000 to operate annually. This agency has been spending $123,000 on clearing, $207,000 for security, $54,000 on maintenance, and an additional $54,000 on storage.”
Zeldin noted that from May 2024 through last month, less than 2,000 people visited the museum. Taxpayers spend about $315 per external visitor.
“I have pledged to be an exceptional steward of taxpayer dollars. So, this shrine to EJ [environmental justice] and climate change will now be shut down for good,” he stated.
According to a press release on the museum’s closure, EPA staff account for more than 40% of visitors.
The museum is one room and 1,595 square feet.
Zeldin announced earlier this month that the EPA cut grants totaling $1.7 billion after working with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
“Working hand-in-hand with DOGE to rein in wasteful federal spending, EPA has saved more than $2 billion in taxpayer money. It is our commitment at EPA to be exceptional stewards of tax dollars,” Zeldin said at the time.
The EPA previously cut nine contracts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, saving taxpayers nearly $60 million
