Administrator Zeldin Reportedly Plans to Take a “Sledgehammer” to EPA’s Capacity to Protect People

“According to news reports, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is on the verge of taking a sledgehammer to America’s capacity to provide clean air and water, and to protect communities from toxic chemicals, by firing more than 1,000 public servants as his first act at the agency. These mass firings of engineers, scientists and others will weaken EPA and create a dangerous imbalance skewed in favor of polluters over people’s health and safety. 

“Administrator Zeldin's spokesperson defended his damaging plan to journalists by calling it a commitment to transparency. We request immediate responses to our Freedom of Information Act submissions seeking crucial and time-sensitive information about EPA’s commitment under Administrator Zeldin’s leadership to protecting the environment for every American.”

            - Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund