Protect the Mission of the Environmental Protection Agency
Since 1970, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has carried out its mission of protecting human health and the environment by implementing environmental laws passed by Congress and enforcing regulations. Much has changed since the agency was established, but the mission has stayed the same.
New EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has wasted no time articulating new priorities. Over 300 staffers have already departed and over 150 more have been placed on administrative leave. 1,100 probationary employees were given notice that they can be terminated at any time, and the agency’s page dedicated to Environmental Justice has been taken down. Both Trump’s campaign speeches and Zeldin’s initial address to EPA staff have made it clear that addressing climate change and climate injustice are out and taking the side of polluters is in.
Congress has oversight responsibility over the EPA and should be taking active steps to ensure that the agency maintains its mission to protect human health and the environment. Intimidating employees, eliminating important functions, and dismantling environmental justice efforts at a time when climate change is increasingly destructive is madness and a direct threat to the health and well-being of all human beings.
Contacts for this topic:
Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m a constituent from [CITY, ZIP].
I’m calling demand oversight hearings to push back on the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the EPA’s mission at a time when the environment is at a tipping point and efforts to address climate change are vitally important. I urge [REP/SEN NAME] stand up for the environment and well-being of everyday Americans.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
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