The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a “declaration of dissent” criticizing the agency’s policies for undermining the Trump administration’s agenda. The employees expressed concerns that the EPA is no longer fulfilling its mission to protect human health and the environment.
The agency stated that it has a “zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining” the administration’s goals. The employees have been placed in a temporary, non-duty, paid status for two weeks pending an administrative investigation. It was emphasized that this action is not disciplinary.
Over 170 EPA employees signed the declaration, with around 100 more signing anonymously due to fears of reprisal. Similar actions were taken by scientists at the National Institutes of Health in June. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has made significant cuts to funding for environmental initiatives, regulations on air pollution, and rules to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA defended its policy decisions, stating that they are based on research and science provided by career professionals within the agency. Follow Melina Walling on social media for more updates.
