Fighting for Good Governance and Rule of Law
Good governance and the rule of law are essential to the success of all environmental and public health programs. That is why, at the core of all of PEER’s work is an effort to improve the ability of our government to address the most pressing environmental and public health issues of our time.
Today, around the country, the work of public servants and government agencies are under attack. We fight for the strengthening of laws affecting open records, whistleblower protections, data quality, and government oversight. We are fierce litigators of freedom of information laws and often call on Inspectors General to investigate government malfeasance. We insist on high ethical standards, professionalism, accountability, and public participation in decisions that affect public health, the environment and natural resources.
We use all the tools available to us to help public employees right environmental wrongs and to build the foundation for lasting, positive change.
Scientific Integrity Policies by Agency
These policies were mandated to protect the scientific community.
Public Record Laws by State
FOIA records include information on exemptions to disclosure, access rights, and destruction of public records.
What to Expect from Trump II – A Preview Based on Trump’s First Term
The first Trump administration took rampant “bad government” steps that we must not forget. In recent weeks, President-elect Trump has already raised new threats to good government norms to a level that is unprecedented and frightening.
NEWS FROM PEER
EPA Embrace of AI Yields More Questions Than Answers
“Evidence Plan” Is Hopelessly Vague and Subject to Political Manipulation
PEERMail | Congress Must Act Now
Congress must be part of ensuring that the United States remains a nation of laws that values the environment and respects a merit-based civil service.
Interior Secretary Burgum is Playing with Fire
By all metrics, the upcoming 2026 fire season in the parched West looks like it may be one of the worst ever — with massive, dangerous forest fires. The Southeast has already seen several forest fires, with record numbers in Florida and Georgia. Fire response is more...
PEER Sues Department of the Interior Over Department’s Refusal To Release Key Freedom 250 Documents
Lawsuit Demands Transparency on Private, Trump-Aligned Entity
Following NYT Report That Revealed White House Ballroom Contractor Got a Sweetheart Deal on Lafayette Park Renovation, PEER Calls for Congressional Oversight and Public Hearings
According to The Report, NPS Awarded a No-Bid Contract for The Renovation Project to A Contractor Favored by President Trump
Letter re: Lafayette Park Project Congressional Oversight
Letter to Congress re: Congressional oversight of a renovation project being led by the National Park Service at Lafayette Park
Satellite Solar Reflecting Mirrors Merit Environmental Review
“Sunlight on Demand” in Night Skies Carries Potential Significant Impacts
Webinar | Climate Change, Governance, and the Trump Administration: Why Action Matters More Than Ever
Experts discuss what we can do to counter attacks on climate programs and build a future that recognizes the role the federal government must play in addressing the climate crisis.
FCC Must Consider Impacts of Million-Satellite Constellation
SpaceX Opposes Any Review of Environmental Effects in the United States
PEER Opens Investigation into EPA’s Use of Artificial Intelligence
Workforce Monitoring and Chemical Safety Decisions Under Scrutiny
New Investigation into Interior’s Use of Taxpayer Resources for Trump-aligned Freedom 250
Diversion of Funds Raises Serious Questions
Testimony on Freedom 250 and the Lack of Transparency in America’s Semiquincentennial
PEER Executive Director Tim Whitehouse testified before the House Natural Resources Committee about the role of Freedom 250, a private, Trump-aligned company, in planning the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations.
VIDEO | Testimony Before the House Natural Resources Committee (Feb 10, 2026)
PEER Executive Director Tim Whitehouse testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources on public-private partnerships related to America’s semiquincentennial.
Building Accountability Back Into Government: Why It’s Essential for the Environment and Public Health
At PEER, we believe restoring accountability is among the most urgent environmental and public health challenges of our time. It is also a challenge we know how to meet — if we choose to strengthen, rather than silence, the institutions designed to keep the government honest.
Letter to Hill Appropriators – NOAA appropriations and funding
Letter to Hill Appropriators regarding passage of full FY 2026 appropriations and funding for NOAA
New Letter To OMB Director Vought Warns that OIRA Chief Jeffrey Clark’s “Acting” Role Is Illegal And Actions He Has Taken Are In Jeopardy
This Is the Latest Example Of Trump Administration Vacancies Act Violations
PEER Warns Interior’s Illegal Use of “Acting” Officials Puts Department Decisions in Legal Jeopardy
Group Says Second Trump Administration Repeating Same Vacancies Act Violations Struck Down the First Time
The Supreme Court Must Stop the Slide to Authoritarian Rule
The Supreme Court, whose 2025-2026 Term began on October 6, has set the stage for a descent to authoritarian rule in a series of quick rulings that favored President Trump over the last nine months.
Trump Administration Descends on Dissenters; They’re Still Speaking Out
A recent series of dissent letters signed by federal government employees documents the devastation this administration is inflicting on public health, safety, and the environment.
STATEMENT | PEER Condemns EPA’s Latest Purge of Public Employees
EPA Begins Firing Signatories of Declaration of Dissent