More than 160 environmental and public health organisations have issued a stark call for the resignation or firing of Lee Zeldin, the head of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a powerful open letter, these advocates accuse Zeldin of egregiously neglecting the agency’s fundamental mission to safeguard human health and the environment, warning that his actions could have long-lasting detrimental effects.
A Betrayal of Purpose
The letter, organised by prominent advocacy groups such as the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, condemns Zeldin’s leadership as unprecedented in its betrayal of the EPA’s core values. “No EPA administrator in history – Democratic or Republican – has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission,” the letter asserts. Under Zeldin’s tenure, the EPA has allegedly rolled back crucial environmental protections designed to combat climate change and preserve clean air and water for Americans, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.
Zeldin’s administration has reportedly slashed essential funding and diminished the agency’s workforce, prioritising corporate interests over the well-being of the public. The letter starkly highlights these actions: “He slashed vital funding, gutted agency staff, and has rigged the system to put corporate polluters first, at the expense of our health.” The implications of such decisions could reverberate for generations, exacerbating the already dire climate crisis.
Support from a Coalition of Voices
The coalition behind this call for accountability includes a diverse array of organisations, from the Sierra Club and Earthjustice to the health advocacy group Physicians for Social Responsibility. Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasises the need for a leader who will confront the climate crisis and pollution head-on. “The public deserves an EPA administrator who will face the challenge of the climate crisis and fossil fuel and toxic pollution with proven policy solutions,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
This letter follows a petition from leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which also demanded Zeldin’s ousting. In recent weeks, Zeldin has been seen engaging with supporters of this movement, raising eyebrows about his commitment to scientific integrity and environmental protection.
Internal Dissent and Criticism
Zeldin’s leadership has not only drawn criticism from external organisations but also from within the EPA itself. In June, current and former EPA staff members signed a “Declaration of Dissent,” which sharply criticised Zeldin’s treatment of the agency’s scientific programming and personnel. Some employees faced suspension or termination for voicing their dissent, although investigations concluded there were no ethical violations.
Brigit Hirsch, a spokesperson for the EPA, defended the agency’s actions, stating that they maintain a “zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining” the administration’s agenda. This response underscores the tension within the agency, as employees grapple with the implications of Zeldin’s policies on their work and mission.
Upcoming Conference and Continued Controversy
Despite the mounting pressure for his resignation, Zeldin is set to speak at a climate-focused conference in Washington, D.C., organised by the Heartland Institute, a right-leaning group known for its rejection of the scientific consensus on climate change. The organisation has received funding from major fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil, further complicating Zeldin’s position as a leader in environmental protection.
The juxtaposition of his scheduled appearance at this event with the ongoing criticism highlights a broader conflict within US environmental policy, where corporate interests often clash with public health and safety.
Why it Matters
The call for Zeldin’s resignation reflects a growing frustration among environmental advocates and public health officials who believe that the current leadership at the EPA is failing to protect the very fabric of our society—the environment and public health. As climate change continues to escalate, the need for robust protections and a commitment to scientific integrity has never been more urgent. The outcome of this situation could set a critical precedent for environmental policy in the US, determining whether the country will prioritise corporate interests over the health of its citizens and the planet.
