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The exclusion of two scientists from the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory positions has raised concerns about an anti-science sentiment within the political sphere. This incident is part of a growing debate over the role of scientific integrity in government decision-making.
Elin Betanzo, a water safety engineer from Detroit, was among those removed from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council. She expressed frustration, stating, “They take actions like this to silence people that have been outspoken about the need for science and data to support our decisions.” Betanzo further criticized the EPA for not honoring its promises to safeguard drinking water for the public.
Betanzo, who heads Safe Water Engineering, LLC, was notified via email on July 3 about her removal, which cited an investigation into her alleged involvement in a petition. She was instructed to halt all her activities with the EPA.
Similarly, Penelope Fenner-Crisp, a retired EPA toxicologist from Virginia, was informed of her dismissal from the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. Fenner-Crisp, who attempted to engage with the EPA about her status, received only a curt acknowledgment: “All they said was ‘thank you for the information,’” she recounted.
EPA Challenges Allegations of a ‘Culture of Fear’
The scientists’ ousting followed their endorsement of a public letter from Stand Up for Science, a group advocating against cuts to federal research funding. Addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the letter criticized the agency’s recent layoffs and accused Zeldin of fostering a “culture of fear.”
The letter, which pointed out the administration’s neglect of scientific data, received a rebuttal from the EPA. The agency claimed the letter contained misleading information and stated that signatories used their official titles improperly.
While the agency refrained from specifying which policy was breached, they maintained that ongoing investigations precluded further comment. Currently, 160 EPA employees are on administrative leave due to their association with the Stand Up for Science petition, as reported by MLive earlier this month.
Missed Opportunities for Environmental Initiatives
Betanzo, who joined the National Drinking Water Advisory Council in 2021, previously identified potential lead contamination risks in Flint’s water supply due to pipe corrosion, leading to crucial studies on lead levels in children there.
Fenner-Crisp, with experience in global toxicology consulting and risk assessment, has contributed to discussions on endocrine disruptors through international forums.
Their exclusion has resulted in missed participation in vital discussions. Betanzo was absent from an emergency meeting on PFAS regulations, while Fenner-Crisp could not attend a session on evaluating the risks of phthalates, chemicals prevalent in plastics. “We’re supposed to review potentially very risky chemicals and I’ve been out in commerce forever,” Fenner-Crisp remarked.
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