EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is expanding and extending an investigation into workers who openly criticized his handling of the agency earlier this month.
EPA on Wednesday informed staffers who signed a letter of dissent accusing Zeldin of “undermining public trust” in the agency that they would remain on administrative leave through Aug. 15. Leave for those employees was slated to end this Friday.
“This email is to notify you that your temporary, non-duty, paid status (administrative leave) is being extended through August 15, 2025, pending the Agency’s inquiry into your signature on a declaration, to include potential use of EPA time and systems,” EPA management told staff in a letter this week. “It is important that you understand that this is not a disciplinary action.”
When asked about the letter, a spokesperson for EPA confirmed that 160 staffers remain on leave “pending an ongoing investigation” because “they signed on to a letter using their official titles and EPA positions.”
