The release of the reports comes shortly after the White House touted progress by federal agencies on expanding integrity policies for government science. Image: Tada Images/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe inspector general’s office at the EPA has confirmed allegations that three EPA employees suffered retaliation in violation of the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy and that one also suffered whistleblower retaliation.
In a series of separate reports that were heavily redacted, the IG found reprisal over 2018-2022 against the employees for expressing “differing scientific opinions” regarding the impact of certain new chemicals on human health and the environment. The IG confirmed retaliatory actions such as nonselection for positions and lowered performance evaluations for all three, as well as actions against one or more involving a reassignment, a withheld award, a nonselection for a detail and a denial of a leave request.
The IG meanwhile did not confirm retaliation complaints brought by two other employees related to similar issues.
The release of the reports comes shortly after the White House touted progress by federal agencies under a 2021 executive order reemphasizing and expanding on integrity policies for government science.
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