A coalition of over 160 environmental and public health organisations has rallied together to demand the resignation of Lee Zeldin, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They accuse him of severely undermining the agency’s foundational mission to protect both human health and the environment, with claims that his leadership has led to significant rollbacks of crucial protections.
A Brazen Betrayal of Public Trust
In an open letter published on 24 March 2026, the organisations described Zeldin’s actions as unprecedented in the agency’s history, stating, “No EPA administrator in history – Democratic or Republican – has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission.” The letter highlights a concerning trend under Zeldin’s tenure, where various environmental safeguards aimed at combating the climate crisis and ensuring clean air and water have been systematically weakened.
These groups argue that Zeldin has not only slashed vital funding but has also drastically reduced the workforce within the agency. They contend that these actions have prioritised the interests of corporate polluters over the health of American citizens, resulting in a dire situation that may take decades to rectify.
A Coalition of Concern
The letter was orchestrated by prominent advocacy groups including the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, and garnered support from a diverse array of organisations such as Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, Earthjustice, and Physicians for Social Responsibility. “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,” asserted Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, echoing frustrations shared by many in the environmental sector.
This public outcry follows an earlier petition from leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which similarly demanded Zeldin’s removal due to his environmental rollbacks. In recent weeks, Zeldin has been seen participating in events aligned with this movement, sparking further concerns about his commitment to the agency’s mission.
Backlash from Within
Criticism of Zeldin’s leadership has not only come from external advocates but also from within the EPA itself. A group of current and former staff members signed the “Declaration of Dissent” condemning Zeldin’s management of the agency’s scientific programming. Reports indicate that some employees faced suspension or dismissal for their dissent, although agency officials later clarified that their actions did not breach any ethical guidelines.
Brigit Hirsch, a spokesperson for the EPA, has defended Zeldin’s approach, stating that the agency maintains a strict “zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the administration’s agenda.” The Trump administration has stood firmly behind its deregulatory strategy, asserting that economic growth can coincide with environmental protection.
A Controversial Future
Next month, Zeldin is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at a climate conference hosted by the Heartland Institute, a right-leaning organisation that has attracted significant funding from major corporations such as ExxonMobil and wealthy Republican donors. The institute has a history of rejecting the scientific consensus on climate change, framing it as a non-urgent issue, which raises questions about Zeldin’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency.
Why it Matters
The growing call for Zeldin’s resignation underscores a critical moment in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. As public health and environmental organisations unite to challenge the leadership at the EPA, it highlights the urgency for policies that genuinely prioritise the health of the planet and its inhabitants over corporate interests. The outcome of this struggle will not only impact the future of the EPA but also set a precedent for how environmental governance is approached in the United States moving forward.
