EPA Chief Under Fire for Ignoring Scientists

from OneWorld.net
Aaron Glantz

SAN FRANCISCO, Mar 4 (OneWorld) - The vast majority of scientists and other specialists at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have withdrawn from a key labor-management partnership, citing rising distrust of the agency's chief Stephen Johnson.

In a letter to Administrator Johnson, trade unions representing the workers complain that Johnson retaliates against whistle-blowers and union officers, "abuses our good nature and trust," and ignores the agency's Principles of Scientific Integrity.

Johnson has faced mounting criticism from within his own agency and a Congressional investigatory panel for allegedly ignoring scientific findings when they have contradicted the Bush administration's political aims.

The letter, which is signed by 19 union presidents representing 10,000 EPA employees across the country, is the latest fallout from Johnson's December decision to block California and at least 16 other states from implementing tough new restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions on cars and trucks.

"Whatever reservoir of good will and credibility that Stephen Johnson had as a career employee is fast evaporating," said Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility Executive Director Jeff Ruch in a statement. "On a host of critical issues, the nation is looking for EPA to lead, but Johnson cannot be an effective leader from inside a bunker."

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