EPA has escalated its investigation of staffers who publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s policies and will keep them out of the office for another two weeks.
Agency employees who signed the open letter blasting the Trump administration for its treatment of climate change and science now have their administrative leave extended to Aug. 1, according to emails seen by POLITICO’s E&E News. In addition, EPA is searching their work computers and email accounts while demanding those staffers participate in a survey that asks if they used federal resources to view and sign the letter.
The extension, which could further stall important work for environmental protection, has frustrated EPA employees, according to staffers granted anonymity because they fear retaliation.
“It’s all extremely stressful,” said one EPA employee who signed the letter. “My colleagues were really hoping for us to come back, and they are unfortunately shouldering the burden while we are out.”
