Target: Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
Goal: Disclose records related to the disbandment of the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee and ensure transparency in addressing water pollution from factory farms.
Regulatory bodies are entrusted with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding public health and the environment, yet disturbing reports indicate that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is failing in this duty. Allegations have emerged that the EPA is unlawfully withholding vital records concerning the disbanding of a panel intended to address water pollution stemming from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This raises serious concerns about the agency’s commitment to effectively managing and mitigating the pollution that threatens our waterways.
The EPA’s apparent failure to adequately respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests suggests a troubling pattern of silence and non-compliance. As reported, the EPA not only canceled all meetings of the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee but also provided no explanation to its members regarding this abrupt cessation of communication. Such actions not only undermine the integrity of regulatory oversight but also leave impacted communities and concerned stakeholders in the dark about potential environmental hazards.
Immediate action is necessary to ensure that the EPA fulfills its obligations to the public. The apparent abandonment of oversight measures for CAFO pollution and stonewalling of information requests cannot be tolerated. Holding the EPA accountable is imperative to protect our waters and uphold public trust in environmental governance. The demand is clear: the EPA must be compelled to release all relevant records pertaining to the subcommittee’s activities and provide a transparent explanation for the discontinuation of this critical initiative.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Zeldin,
The allegations surrounding the Environmental Protection Agency’s purported failure to disclose records related to the disbandment of the Animal Agriculture and Water Quality Subcommittee are deeply concerning. Reports indicate that the EPA has neglected its responsibility by withholding critical information from the public regarding communications with industry groups and the rationale for stopping the subcommittee’s work. This apparent lack of transparency raises serious questions about the agency’s commitment to addressing the rampant pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations that threatens our waters.
The EPA’s reported cancellation of meetings and silence towards subcommittee members after the Trump administration took office appear to indicate a troubling disregard for meaningful oversight and engagement. The alarming evidence that pollution from CAFOs is contaminating thousands of miles of rivers and lakes necessitates immediate attention and action. Ignoring the voices of community members, farmers, researchers, and others who were part of this subcommittee is an unacceptable failure to protect public resources.
We urge you to prioritize transparency and accountability by promptly releasing all records related to the disbandment of the subcommittee and providing a thorough explanation for the discontinuation of its activities. It is imperative that the EPA takes decisive action to restore trust and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding our environment and public health.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
