EPA Employees Oppose Trump Administration Policies
A group of current and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees has expressed their opposition to the policies of the Trump administration.
In a letter shared with EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, the employees assert that efforts from the Trump White House “undermine the EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment.”
They highlight five major areas of concern: ignoring scientific consensus, which erodes public trust and benefits polluters; reversing advancements in environmental protections for vulnerable communities; dismantling research and development offices; fostering a culture of fear; and forcing employees to choose between their livelihoods and well-being.
Specific actions cited include rollbacks in environmental protection regulations, weakening environmental justice initiatives aimed at reducing pollution in underserved areas, reorganizing offices that relocate EPA scientists, and layoffs.
They express that “your decisions and actions resonate for generations.” Under the current leadership, they warn, the EPA will fail to safeguard communities from hazardous chemicals or unsafe drinking water, thereby increasing public health risks.
The letter concludes with an appeal: “Admin Zeldin, we respect your oath and urge you to serve the American public. In the future, there may be a chance to change course. If you decide to do that, we stand ready to support your efforts in fulfilling the EPA’s mission.”
In total, 186 individuals signed the letter, with an additional 134 choosing to remain anonymous.
This action is part of a broader wave of protests against the Trump administration’s scientific policies; for instance, an employee from the National Institutes of Health also published a similar letter earlier this month.
An EPA spokesperson responded via email, stating that the Trump administration is committed to collaborating with states, tribes, and communities to uphold the agency’s primary goal of protecting human health and the environment.
The spokesperson emphasized that policy decisions reflect guidance from “EPA career experts based on the latest research,” and criticized Biden-era policies as efforts to restrict American energy production and increase dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
