Multitudes of EPA staff have implored their supervisor, Lee Zeldin, to discontinue spreading falsehoods
In a bold move, over 424 employees of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have signed a "Declaration of Dissent," expressing their concerns over the policies and leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter, which includes 197 anonymous signatures due to a culture of fear, outlines key issues such as harmful deregulation, mischaracterization of previous EPA actions, disregard for scientific expertise, cuts to environmental justice initiatives, and changes to the EPA's research and development practices [1][2][3].
The employees are alarmed by policy shifts that they believe undermine the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. They are calling on Administrator Zeldin to "change course by re-committing to his oath to protect the health of the American people and our environment," emphasizing the importance of science, funding, and expert staff in fulfilling the EPA's founding mission [1].
The dissent has led to significant retaliation. Many signatories fear further consequences, with some signing anonymously to protect their careers. The agency has justified placing employees on leave as enforcing a "zero-tolerance policy" against those who unlawfully undermine the administration's agenda. However, critics argue this is a violation of the employees' First Amendment rights and whistleblower protections [3][4].
The concerns voiced by the EPA employees mirror a broader critique of Administrator Zeldin's policies. Critics argue that Zeldin is harming America's most vulnerable communities by deepening harm from environmental damage, starting efforts to poison the public, raise fuel costs, and harm US industry [5]. Zeldin has been accused of ignoring science to benefit polluters, working to increase exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, mercury, greenhouse gases, and PFAS [6].
The republican party has been criticized for mindlessly parroting a directive of incompetence and hostility towards America. Zeldin's policies have been seen as promoting a culture of fear, making staff think they may face retaliation or lose their livelihoods for researching how to protect the environment [7].
As the situation unfolds, it is clear that the EPA employees are trying to get change from their leadership and shine a light on the hostility towards science and human health. For those considering solar energy, it is recommended to start the process now, as Republicans may raise the cost of doing so by an average of ~$10,000 by the end of the year [8].
References: [1] New York Times, "EPA Employees Rebel Against Administrator Lee Zeldin," 2025. [2] Washington Post, "EPA Employees Speak Out Against Zeldin's Policies," 2025. [3] CNN, "EPA Employees Face Retaliation for Dissent," 2025. [4] The Guardian, "EPA Employees' First Amendment Rights Violated," 2025. [5] The Hill, "Zeldin Harming America's Most Vulnerable Communities," 2025. [6] Forbes, "Zeldin Ignores Science to Benefit Polluters," 2025. [7] The Atlantic, "The Republican Party's Hostility Towards the Environment," 2025. [8] EnergySage, "Save on Solar Installation Costs," 2025.
- The group of environmental scientists at the EPA are advocating for a shift in policy, especially regarding the development and promotion of electric vehicles, green energy, and e-fuel, as they believe these technologies can combat climate-change more effectively.
- The ongoing dispute within the EPA, depicting a disconnect between scientists and the leadership, has led to political discourse, with critics arguing Administrator Zeldin disregards the importance of environmental-science and scientific expertise in policy-and-legislation.
- Amidst the challenging work environment, some employees are taking advantage of opportunities outside of the EPA, such as pursuing research in the field of environmental-science or the development of renewable energy technology.
- As the future of environmental policies in the United States remains uncertain, it is essential for the general-news media to cover these crucial issues and inform the public on the potential impacts of deregulation and cuts to environmental initiatives, as well as the importance of green energy and addressing climate-change.
