The Environmental Protection Agency placed 139 employees on administrative leave after they signed a petition criticizing the Trump administration’s environmental policies. The petition, titled “Stand Up for Science,” accused agency leaders of undermining scientific integrity, reversing environmental protections, and promoting deregulation that endangers public health.
The employees are under investigation for possibly using work time or resources to sign the letter, though one signatory said they signed it on their personal device during the weekend. The agency emphasized the action is not disciplinary.
An EPA spokesperson defended the move, citing a “zero-tolerance policy” for federal employees allegedly working against the administration’s agenda. The petition accused the administration of eroding the agency’s mission and misrepresenting science on issues like asbestos, mercury, PFAS chemicals, and environmental justice.
The American Federation of Government Employees union called the leave retaliatory and pledged legal action. Former EPA official Matthew Tejada said the signatories acted within their rights and were defending public health.
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