More than 160 organisations advocating for environmental and public health have united in a powerful call for the resignation of Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In an open letter released on 24 March 2026, these groups accused Zeldin of egregiously undermining the agency’s foundational mission, which is to safeguard human health and the environment. They argue that under his leadership, the EPA has regressed significantly, endangering public welfare and environmental integrity.
A Crisis of Leadership at the EPA
The letter, orchestrated by the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, highlights a troubling trend: Zeldin’s tenure has been marked by the dismantling of crucial environmental protections. Critics argue that his administration has not only weakened regulations designed to combat climate change but has also slashed funding and reduced staff within the agency. Such actions, they contend, prioritise corporate interests over the health of the American populace.
“No EPA administrator in history—Democratic or Republican—has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission,” the letter asserts. This sentiment echoes the growing frustration among environmental advocates, who believe that the current administration’s policies will inflict long-term damage on both the environment and public health.
The groups involved in this initiative include notable organisations such as Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, and Earthjustice, alongside various environmental justice groups like GreenRoots and GreenLatinos. They collectively call for a leader who will actively engage with the challenges posed by the climate crisis, rather than capitulate to the demands of the fossil fuel and chemical industries.
The Backlash Against Zeldin
Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasised the need for a proactive approach to environmental policy. “The public deserves an EPA administrator who will face the challenge of the climate crisis and toxic pollution head-on,” she stated. Goldman’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment shared by many who view Zeldin’s actions as detrimental to both scientific integrity and public health.
The backlash against Zeldin’s leadership has not been limited to advocacy groups; it has also been echoed by current and former EPA employees. In June, a group signed a “Declaration of Dissent,” which sharply criticised Zeldin’s treatment of the agency’s scientific programming and staff. Reports have surfaced that some employees faced suspension or dismissal for their dissent, though agency officials later confirmed that their actions did not breach ethics regulations.
Brigit Hirsch, an EPA spokesperson, defended the agency’s stance, asserting a “zero-tolerance policy” towards bureaucrats who undermine the administration’s agenda. This response, however, has done little to quell the discontent brewing within the EPA and the broader environmental community.
Controversies Surrounding Zeldin
Zeldin’s controversial leadership has attracted further scrutiny due to his connections with the Trump administration, which has been accused of rolling back numerous regulations aimed at protecting the environment. Next month, Zeldin is set to be the keynote speaker at a climate conference hosted by the Heartland Institute, a right-leaning organisation known for its scepticism regarding climate science. The Heartland Institute has received backing from major fossil fuel companies and wealthy Republican donors, raising questions about the integrity of the event and Zeldin’s commitment to addressing climate change.
The ongoing debate surrounding Zeldin’s leadership is indicative of a larger struggle within the EPA, as it navigates the balance between regulatory enforcement and industry interests.
Why it Matters
The call for Zeldin’s resignation encapsulates a profound concern regarding the future of environmental policy in the United States. As public health and environmental organisations rally against perceived mismanagement at the EPA, the implications extend beyond the agency itself. The outcome of this struggle could significantly influence climate action in the face of an escalating global crisis. If the EPA is to fulfil its vital role, it must embody a commitment to science-based policy and prioritise the health of both the planet and its inhabitants. The stakes have never been higher, and the call for accountability is a clarion call for a sustainable future.
