In an escalating confrontation over environmental policies, more than 160 health and environmental organisations have issued a stark ultimatum to Lee Zeldin, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are calling for his immediate resignation or removal, accusing him of egregiously undermining the agency’s fundamental mission to safeguard public health and the environment.
Unprecedented Betrayal of the EPA’s Mission
The coalition, which includes well-respected groups such as the Sierra Club and Public Citizen, has publicly condemned Zeldin’s leadership in an open letter released on 24 March 2026. The letter states, “No EPA administrator in history—Democratic or Republican—has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission.” Under Zeldin’s direction, critics argue that the EPA has systematically rolled back vital environmental protections that are crucial for combating climate change and ensuring clean air and water for all Americans.
Zeldin’s critics assert that he has not only weakened existing regulations but has also made significant cuts to the agency’s budget and workforce, prioritising corporate interests over public health. “He slashed vital funding, gutted agency staff, and has rigged the system to put corporate polluters first, at the expense of our health,” the letter continues, highlighting the far-reaching implications of these actions.
Broad Coalition of Concerned Voices
The initiative to oust Zeldin was spearheaded by the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, demonstrating a united front among various advocacy groups. The signatories of the letter represent a diverse array of interests, including environmental justice organisations like GreenRoots and GreenLatinos, as well as health-focused groups such as Physicians for Social Responsibility.
Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasised the need for a leader who confronts the pressing challenges posed by climate change and pollution. “The public deserves an EPA administrator who will face the challenge of the climate crisis and fossil fuel and toxic pollution head-on,” she stated, criticising Zeldin for allegedly serving the interests of the fossil fuel industry.
Growing Discontent Within the Agency
Zeldin’s tenure has also faced fierce backlash from current and former EPA employees. In June, a group of staff members signed a “Declaration of Dissent” that sharply criticised his management and the detrimental impact on the agency’s scientific integrity. Reports emerged that some employees faced suspension or termination for their stance, although agency officials later determined that no ethical violations had occurred.
In response to these criticisms, Brigit Hirsch, an EPA spokesperson, reiterated the agency’s commitment to a “zero-tolerance policy” towards employees who allegedly undermine the administration’s agenda. This statement reflects the heightened tensions within the agency as it grapples with internal dissent and external pressure.
Upcoming Climate Conference Raises Eyebrows
Adding to the controversy, Zeldin is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at a climate-focused conference hosted by the Heartland Institute, a right-leaning organisation that has historically dismissed the scientific consensus on climate change. The event, slated for next month in Washington, D.C., has raised eyebrows due to the Institute’s ties to major fossil fuel companies and wealthy Republican donors.
The juxtaposition of Zeldin’s participation in this conference against the backdrop of calls for his resignation underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the EPA’s current leadership.
Why it Matters
The demand for Lee Zeldin’s resignation reflects a broader struggle over environmental policy in the United States, particularly as the nation grapples with the escalating effects of climate change. The coalition of health and environmental groups points to a critical juncture—one where the direction of the EPA can either lead to significant advancements in public health and environmental protection or further entrench corporate interests at the expense of the planet. As these debates unfold, the implications for future environmental governance will be profound, shaping not only policies but also the health of countless communities across the nation.
