EPA employees who made public their concerns about the agency’s turn under the Trump administration remain barred from returning to work.
For a third time, EPA has extended administrative leave for staffers who signed an open dissent letter that criticized the agency’s policies on climate change and science as well as its intimidation of employees. Their leave was supposed to end Aug. 15 but has now been pushed back another two weeks, according to emails seen by POLITICO’s E&E News.
“This email is to notify you that your temporary, non-duty, paid status [administrative leave] is being extended through August 29, 2025, pending the Agency’s inquiry into your signature on a declaration, to include potential use of EPA time and systems,” said the email, which was sent Friday to EPA employees who signed the dissent letter.
The message added, “It is important that you understand that this is not a disciplinary action.” The staffers on leave still are not authorized to use their identification badges, access computer systems or perform any EPA duties.
