Chicago Sun-Times: EPA Support Letter

To the Civil Servants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA):

On behalf of the undersigned organizations and members of the environmental, social justice, and conservation communities, we write to express our appreciation and support for the dedicated public servants of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Your expertise and commitment to implementing laws designed to protect our environment and public health are key to safeguarding our air, water, and land for people and communities today and for the future.

This work, which was never easy to begin with, has grown more difficult by the day as the current administration’s proposed staffing cutbacks and policy changes would both greatly harm our nation’s environmental regulatory system and the implementation and enforcement that protect the health of people and ecosystems.

We recognize the dedication of EPA staff who continue to serve during these stormy times. We object to unjustified dismissals and the pressures into early retirement that have forced many able and competent EPA staff to leave public service.

You have much to be proud of.

Your efforts have helped reduce pollution, restore ecosystems, clean up hazardous waste sites, and protect drinking water sources.

Your efforts to address land contamination, restore degraded environments, and enforce pollution controls have direct and measurable impacts on communities in every corner of the nation— especially those most vulnerable to environmental harm. We also recognize your vital and important role in protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, a global gem.

Please know that your work matters. We stand with you. We thank you. And we pledge to continue advocating for the resources, respect, and support that civil servants like you so clearly deserve.

With deep gratitude,

This letter was sent to the Letters to the Editor section of the Chicago Sun-Times.