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Story summary
- On December 3, 2025, six former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees filed a First Amendment lawsuit against EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, alleging their termination was linked to protests against the politicization of science during the Trump administration.
- The employees had signed an open letter criticizing the EPA for compromising public health.
- Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, representing them, claims the EPA's actions violate free speech protections.
- Previously, the EPA placed 139 employees on administrative leave for signing the dissent letter, citing a "zero tolerance" policy.
- The agency plans to reduce its workforce by at least 23%.
