EPA’s communications with the public have almost dropped off entirely as the new Trump administration takes charge of the agency.
On Inauguration Day, EPA’s public affairs office told staff there is “a hold” on the agency sending out press releases and posting on social media, according to an internal email obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News. The agency going nearly silent comes during a sensitive time, as President Donald Trump has signed a flurry of executive orders that could withhold EPA’s funding and undermine environmental regulations.
“Dear Colleagues, on Monday EPA’s Office of Public Affairs let us know that there is a hold on HQ and regional press releases and social media,” Cecil Rodrigues, acting assistant administrator for enforcement and compliance assurance, told staff in the email sent Friday. “These temporary holds are common at the start of a new administration.”
Rodrigues continued, “When the regional offices and HQ start issuing enforcement and compliance assurance press release[s] again, we will be ready with our Friday EEIN email to highlight our work and the media attention our press releases generate.”
