In a striking show of unity, over 160 environmental and public health organisations have issued a powerful call for the resignation of Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Accusing him of severely undermining the agency’s core mission, these groups argue that Zeldin’s leadership has led to a dangerous rollback of essential environmental protections, jeopardising public health and safety in the process.
A Betrayal of Environmental Trust
The letter, released on 24 March 2026, lays bare the frustrations of countless advocates who feel the EPA is no longer serving its fundamental purpose of safeguarding human health and the environment. “No EPA administrator in history – Democratic or Republican – has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission,” the letter states emphatically. Under Zeldin’s watch, numerous regulations aimed at combatting climate change and ensuring clean air and water have been dismantled or weakened, stirring outrage among those who prioritise ecological integrity.
Critics point to Zeldin’s decision to slash funding and reduce staffing levels within the agency as instrumental in this decline. The letter highlights that under his administration, the system has been skewed to favour corporate polluters over the health of American citizens. “He has rigged the system to put corporate polluters first, at the expense of our health,” they assert, signalling a deep concern for the implications of these actions.
A Diverse Coalition Speaks Out
This unprecedented coalition includes significant voices such as the Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and Physicians for Social Responsibility, as well as grassroots organisations like GreenRoots and GreenLatinos. Organised by the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, the signatories represent a broad spectrum of public interest groups, all unified in their demand for change.
Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, encapsulated the sentiment of the letter, stating, “The public deserves an EPA administrator who will face the challenge of the climate crisis and fossil fuel and toxic pollution head-on with proven policy solutions.” Her words underscore a growing frustration with leadership perceived as being beholden to industry interests rather than committed to scientific integrity and public health.
Internal Dissent and Accountability
Zeldin has not only faced external criticism but has also been challenged by voices within the EPA itself. In June, a group of current and former employees signed a “Declaration of Dissent,” condemning his management style and policies. Reports have emerged of staff facing suspension or termination for voicing their dissent, although agency officials have determined that their actions did not breach ethical guidelines.
Brigit Hirsch, an EPA spokesperson, defended Zeldin’s approach, stating that the agency maintains a “zero-tolerance policy” for any actions that undermine the administration’s agenda. This statement reflects the ongoing tension within the EPA as it grapples with the ramifications of leadership decisions that critics argue are fundamentally at odds with its mission.
Upcoming Conference Raises Eyebrows
In a move that has sparked further controversy, Zeldin is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at a climate-focused conference hosted by the Heartland Institute next month in Washington D.C. The Heartland Institute is known for its controversial stance on climate science, having received significant funding from companies like ExxonMobil and influential Republican donors. Their rejection of the scientific consensus regarding climate change adds yet another layer of complexity to Zeldin’s tenure.
Why it Matters
The call for Zeldin’s resignation highlights a critical juncture in US environmental policy. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly dire, the stakes have never been higher. The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how environmental governance is approached in the future. A shift in leadership at the EPA could signal a renewed commitment to environmental protection, safeguarding public health, and confronting the climate crisis head-on. The voices of these 160 organisations echo a broader demand for accountability in the face of growing environmental challenges, urging a return to science-based policy that prioritises the health of both people and the planet.
