EPA Places Employees on Administrative Leave Amid Dissent

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has put 139 employees on administrative leave following a “declaration of objections” they signed against the agency.

These employees—often referred to as “career bureaucrats”—represent less than 1% of the EPA’s workforce, which is about 18,000. Despite the small percentage, their leave is notable.

An EPA spokesperson indicated that the agency enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards those who have allegedly interfered with the administration’s agenda, echoing sentiments from voters in the last November election.

A four-page dissent letter, released by an activist group, expresses concerns regarding the leadership of manager Lee Zeldin. Under Zeldin’s direction, some employees feel that the agency is undermining public trust, ignoring scientific consensus in favor of polluters, and fostering a climate of fear.

The letter highlights that it was “written and signed across offices, regions and labs” without utilizing any agency resources or personal time.

The authors, identifying as dedicated civil servants, acknowledge their fears about potential retaliation. They note that while 620 individuals signed anonymously, around 4,500 additional people support the document. Initially, over 170 employees publicly endorsed the letter.

The EPA addressed the matter, stating that the decisions made are informed by Zeldin’s leadership and are based on the latest scientific research, supported by professionals who are proud of their work.

One of the suspended employees mentioned that being placed on leave was not considered a disciplinary action by the agency. However, a North Carolina employee reported being “escorted from the building” after taking leave, describing the experience as shocking retaliation for signing the objection letter.

“I’m a high-performing employee, and it was surprising to see such blatant actions after expressing concerns about the direction of the EPA,” the employee noted.