1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has played a crucial role in safeguarding public health and preserving our natural resources since its establishment in 1970. Its core mission of protecting the environment and promoting environmental justice is becoming increasingly vital in the face of escalating climate change and the urgency to address its devastating impacts. The recent actions by the current administration, such as dismissing hundreds of EPA employees, placing many on administrative leave, and removing information on environmental justice from the agency's website, are deeply concerning. These measures undermine the EPA's ability to fulfill its mandate and threaten the well-being of all Americans. It is imperative that Congress exercises its oversight responsibility and holds hearings to scrutinize these efforts to weaken the EPA's mission. The agency's work is directly linked to the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the preservation of our natural landscapes. Any attempts to prioritize corporate interests over public health and environmental protection pose grave risks to our collective well-being. We urge you to take decisive action to safeguard the EPA's original mission and ensure that the agency can continue its crucial work of defending our land, water, air, and natural resources from neglect, exploitation, or misguided policies. The health of our environment and our communities depends on a strong and effective EPA.