EPA employees dispute their dismissals related to 'dissent' letter

Several former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) staff are disputing their recent terminations after signing a letter that criticized policies under the Trump administration. Six individuals who were dismissed after participating in a Declaration of Dissent have submitted complaints to the Merit Systems Protection Board, with support from Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), which is representing them.

The June letter, signed by numerous current and former EPA employeessome anonymouslyasserted that the administrations actions weaken the EPAs mission to safeguard human health and the environment. The EPA, in response to the dismissals, stated that it maintains a zero-tolerance policy for career officials using their positions to illegally undermine or sabotage the will of the American public.

PEER, however, indicated that the former employees are arguing their firings violated their First Amendment rights, asserting that they were retaliated against due to political views, faced disproportionate punishment, and were terminated without proper justification. Joanna Citron Day, PEERs general counsel, stated, Federal employees are entitled to voice concerns on public matters in their personal capacity, including dissenting opinions. By dismissing these staffers, the EPA not only infringes on free speech rights but also endangers public welfare by removing experienced personnel critical to its mission.

The affected staff members were involved in areas such as biological research, hazardous waste remediation, environmental epidemiology, education and outreach, and legal matters related to toxic waste and polluted waterways.

Author: Aiden Foster