Scientists Face Repercussions After EPA Toxicity Rating Probe

Scientists Face Repercussions After EPA Toxicity Rating Probe

EPA scientists faced retaliation for advocating higher chemical toxicity ratings.

At a Glance

  • Government scientists alleged pressure during Trump’s administration to deem chemicals safer.
  • Retaliatory measures included poor performance reviews, denied bonuses, and reassignments.
  • EPA inspector general confirmed retaliation against three scientists.
  • Concerns over potential chilling effect on scientific integrity.

Internal Probe Reveals EPA Retaliation

An internal probe by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Inspector General has disclosed alarming retaliation against three of its scientists. These professionals proposed higher toxicity ratings for specific chemicals, opposing the views held by senior officials. As a consequence, they experienced negative performance evaluations, rejections of bonus requests, and job reassignments. These findings raise profound concerns about the potential chilling effect on the agency’s scientific community.

The probe reports that during the Trump administration, EPA managers were alleged to have pressured scientists into making new chemicals appear safer. Additionally, scientists were encouraged to delete evidence of chemicals’ harms, including links to cancer, miscarriage, and neurological issues. Those who resisted faced punitive actions. Negative reviews, reassignments, and denied awards were part of the retaliation, as confirmed by multiple independent sources.

Chilling Effect on Scientific Integrity

The inspector general’s findings indicate that retaliatory actions included personal attacks, where supervisors called the scientists derogatory names. The EPA has been urged to rectify these issues by taking corrective actions, such as suspending supervisors who violated the Whistleblower Protection Act and initiating refresher training on scientific integrity.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan has been noted for aiming to improve working conditions under the current administration. The issues have notably been linked to the previous Trump administration, though some whistleblowers claim pressures have continued. Future reports are anticipated to address these ongoing concerns.

Concerns Over Future Interference

Additional complaints from EPA whistleblowers underline ongoing concerns about the potential for industry pressure and the impact of future political changes. Some scientists remain wary that underlying issues have not been fully addressed and may worsen, particularly with potential changes in federal employment policies and governance structures. Project 2025, a proposal under consideration, could streamline the approval of new chemicals and facilitate the firing of federal employees who raise scientific concerns.

Concerns remain regarding the future of scientific integrity within the EPA, as whistleblowers and scientists navigate a complex landscape of regulatory oversight and political influence.

Sources:

  1. EPA Scientists Said They Were Pressured to Downplay Harms From Chemicals. A Watchdog Found They Were Retaliated Against.
  2. Watchdog slams EPA for retaliation on chemical reviews
  3. EPA officials retaliated against 3 scientists, watchdog says
  4. EPA Retaliated Against Three Scientists, Watchdog Says
  5. EPA retaliated against three scientists, says watchdog
  6. Watchdog slams EPA for retaliation on chemical reviews
  7. EPA Office of Inspector General Identifies Concerns Involving Agency’s Scientific Integrity
  8. Members of the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals

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