EPA signed a new agreement Tuesday with its largest employee union that could shield the agency’s scientific research from political meddling.
Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe joined officials from American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, which represents about 8,000 EPA employees, in the agency’s Philadelphia office to sign the contract. The deal, reached after two years of contentious negotiations at times, includes provisions to promote diversity and protect scientific integrity for the first time.
Those articles could prove vital to EPA’s workforce if former President Donald Trump wins election to the White House again this November. The agency was roiled during his previous administration as staff claimed there was frequent political interference with EPA’s science.
McCabe said in a statement that the agency was “thrilled” to reach the agreement with AFGE Council 238.
