More than 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 undermining the agency’s core mission. In an open letter dated 24 March 2026, these advocates asserted that Zeldin’s leadership has significantly jeopardised both human health and the environment, labelling his actions as a historic betrayal of the agency’s purpose.
A Call to Action
The letter, organised by prominent advocacy groups such as the Climate Action Campaign and Moms Clean Air Force, pointed to Zeldin’s extensive record of rolling back environmental protections, including essential regulations aimed at mitigating the climate crisis and ensuring clean air and water. “No EPA administrator in history—Democratic or Republican—has so brazenly betrayed the agency’s core mission,” the letter stated. “With Administrator Lee Zeldin at the helm, the EPA has abandoned its mission, creating damage that will take decades to address.”
Critics assert that under Zeldin’s leadership, the EPA has not only weakened critical environmental safeguards but has also made drastic cuts to staff and funding. “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 continued, highlighting the urgent need for a leader who prioritises public welfare over corporate interests.
Voices from the Frontlines
Notably, the letter gathered signatures from a diverse coalition of organisations, including the non-profit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen, the Sierra Club, and the environmental justice organisations GreenRoots and GreenLatinos. Gretchen Goldman, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, emphasised the need for the EPA to confront the climate crisis vigorously. “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,” she stated, contrasting Zeldin’s approach with the pressing needs of the planet.
This call for accountability follows a January petition from leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which also demanded Zeldin’s resignation due to his environmental rollbacks. Since then, Zeldin has drawn further scrutiny, reportedly attending events aligned with the movement and committing to a so-called “Maha agenda” within the EPA.
Internal Dissent and Wider Criticism
Zeldin’s tenure has not only drawn ire from environmental groups but has also faced backlash from current and former EPA staff. In June, a group of employees signed the “Declaration of Dissent,” voicing their strong disapproval of Zeldin’s treatment of the agency’s scientific programming and workforce. Some employees reportedly faced suspension or termination for their dissent, though agency officials later clarified that their actions did not violate ethical guidelines.
Brigit Hirsch, an EPA spokesperson, defended the agency’s stance, asserting, “We have a zero-tolerance policy for career bureaucrats unlawfully undermining, sabotaging, and undercutting the administration’s agenda as voted for by the great people of this country.” This statement reflects the administration’s ongoing commitment to roll back regulations, presenting itself as a champion of industry growth while downplaying environmental concerns.
In a striking contradiction, Zeldin is poised to be the opening speaker at an upcoming climate conference in Washington, D.C., organised by the Heartland Institute, a group renowned for its controversial funding from fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil. The Heartland Institute has consistently challenged the scientific consensus surrounding the urgency of climate change, raising further questions about Zeldin’s commitment to addressing the crisis.
Why it Matters
The demand for Zeldin’s resignation signals a critical moment in the ongoing battle for environmental justice and public health. As climate change intensifies and its impacts become increasingly evident, the role of the EPA as a protector of human health and the environment is more crucial than ever. Advocates argue that the agency must return to its foundational principles, prioritising scientific integrity and public welfare over corporate interests. As dissent grows within the agency and among the public, the pressure mounts for a leadership that will genuinely confront the climate crisis rather than capitulate to the demands of polluters. The outcome of this situation could shape the future of environmental policy in the United States for years to come.
