As the world struggles to adapt to a warming climate and communities throughout the country fight for clean water, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin is taking a sledgehammer to what was generally regarded as one of the most effective environmental agencies in the world.
Zeldin is laying off and forcing out scientists in record numbers and slashing research and travel budgets for the remaining EPA scientists. He has begun dismantling the agency’s scientific research arm which supports all of EPA’s work — from protecting the public from harmful chemicals, to setting air quality standards, to keeping our drinking water safe.
Last week, in a decision riddled with deception and lies, Zeldin proposed to withdraw EPA’s 2009 finding that greenhouse gases “endanger public health or welfare.” This finding allows the agency to limit planet-heating pollution from cars and trucks, power plants, and other industrial sources.
While the country is facing growing environmental challenges, Zeldin is famous for throwing public temper tantrums against those who disagree with him, and more recently, for his press release on “making gas cans great again” (we kid you not).
This only scratches the surface of Zeldin’s peculiar first six months in office. Fortunately, we are proud to be part of the growing backlash against Zeldin’s worldview, and especially proud to be working with current and former EPA employees who are fighting for justice in Zeldin’s EPA.
Sincerely,
Tim Whitehouse
Executive Director
P.S. Our webinar, Speaking Up Under Trump: What to Know About Whistleblowing and Free Speech, is now available online. It provides important information on what public employees should know about whistleblowing and free speech in the Trump-era.
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