Agency in U.S. for environmental protection dismisses five employees identified as whistleblowers by a non-profit organization.

In a series of controversial moves, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under Administrator Lee Zeldin has been executing President Trump's agenda, which includes gutting climate regulations, ramping up fossil fuel development, and slashing funding for clean energy.

This shift in policy direction has not gone unnoticed, as five EPA whistleblowers signed the EPA Declaration of Dissent, criticising the agency's actions and policies under Zeldin's leadership. The declaration, however, has not gone unchallenged. The EPA has stated that the petition signed by employees contains inaccurate information designed to mislead the public about agency business.

The Trump administration's clampdown on federal employees who sign letters of dissent extends to agencies such as FEMA and the CDC. In the case of the EPA, more than a hundred employees were suspended in July for signing an open letter critical of Zeldin's policies. The EPA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for career officials using their position to undermine the will of the American public.

The EPA has taken further action against the dissenting employees, with five whistleblowers who signed the EPA Declaration of Dissent being fired, and four additional employees receiving a Notice of Removal. The EPA has not specified if the employees who received Notices of Removal were among those who were fired or suspended earlier.

The open letter, signed by over a hundred employees, describes ongoing concerns about political interference and the erosion of scientific integrity. The letter warned that the agency's leadership was eroding public health protections and scientific integrity.

The controversy surrounding the EPA's handling of dissenting employees has not gone unnoticed. Stand Up for Science, a non-profit organization, has criticised the EPA for these actions. The organisation continues to criticise the EPA for its actions against dissenting employees, as Zeldin continues to execute Trump's agenda, including ramping up fossil fuel development and slashing funding for clean energy.

Despite the ongoing controversy, the EPA has not provided specific details regarding the job losses among the suspended or dismissed employees. The absence of such information has led to further questions and concerns about the EPA's handling of the situation. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how the EPA will address these concerns and move forward.

Agency in U.S. for environmental protection dismisses five employees identified as whistleblowers by a non-profit organization.