Survey of EPA Scientists Reveals “Culture of Fear”

On March 30, 2022, the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) released responses to an internal survey of EPA scientists in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP), which PEER obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. Interviews with OCSPP scientists were conducted in October 2021. PEER reported on the survey’s findings, which reveal a “culture of fear,” including fear of “retaliation, intimidation, lack of transparency, improper alterations of assessments without staff knowledge” and more.

In addition to issues with improper alterations of scientific reports and fear of retaliation, the scientists also noted problems with insufficient staffing and expertise in specialty areas.