I’m Fighting for My First Amendment Rights

Hi Friends,

If you’ve talked to me recently, I’ve probably told you about how the Trump EPA fired me from the National Drinking Water Advisory Council (NDWAC). In a democracy, it is critical that people be able to speak out on matters of public concern without fear of punishment. But here I am, punished for signing a petition that asked EPA to rely on science and continue its mission of public health protection.

I have decided to continue my fight for safe water by suing the Trump administration for violating my First Amendment right to free speech. I’m challenging one of the largest sweeping unconstitutional actions against federal employees in modern history. The Trump EPA is using their zero tolerance policy to intimidate EPA scientists from doing their jobs to protect Americans.

You can read more about my lawsuit here, and if you subscribe to E&E News, you can read more here.

When I joined the NDWAC I committed to protecting public health – not to giving up my right to speak out for safe drinking water. I’m not just fighting for myself, I’m fighting for the rights of all government employees and the safety of our drinking water.

Sincerely,

Elin Warn Betanzo‍ ‍