Federal authorities take action to temporarily dismiss without salary more than 100 workers for having signed a statement of disapproval

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken an unprecedented step by suspending more than 100 of its staffers, following the signing of a public letter expressing concern about federal employee treatment and the Trump administration's regulations on climate and public health.

The suspensions, which began in July, have resulted in the waste of over 47,000 work hours and $2 million, as previously stated. This move has been met with criticism from union leaders, who claim that the administration's actions are aimed at squashing dissent and preventing workers from protecting American lives.

Justin Chen, president of the union group AFGE Council 238, stated, "The administration's actions are aimed at silencing those who dare to speak out against their policies." He further added, "The EPA employees are simply doing their job – protecting the environment and public health – and they should not be punished for it."

The suspensions are a result of these staffers signing a letter of dissent against the Trump administration's policies in July. The letter, which was widely circulated, criticized the EPA for straying from its core mission to protect human health and the environment.

An EPA spokesperson refused to confirm the report or provide details, stating the agency "does not comment on individual personnel matters." However, the spokesperson did confirm that the EPA has a zero-tolerance policy for career officials using their agency position to unlawfully undermine, sabotage, and undercut the will of the American public.

The Oak Grove Power Plant in Robertson County, Texas, is mentioned in relation to the Trump administration's proposed plan to eliminate the EPA's ability to make rules about climate pollution. If the plan is implemented, it would significantly impact the EPA's ability to regulate emissions from power plants like Oak Grove, raising concerns about the impact on public health and the environment.

Some employees were let go last week, with additional staff members affected on Thursday. The employees were sent letters indicating a 14-day suspension without pay. It is unclear at this time whether the suspensions will lead to termination or if the employees will be reinstated.

This reason for the suspension, according to the letters, is "conduct unbecoming of a federal employee." However, many believe that the real reason is the employees' dissent against the administration's policies.

The EPA placed approximately 140 employees on administrative leave in July, following the signing of the public letter. This action has sparked a debate about the role of federal employees in the policymaking process and the right to freedom of speech.

As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the EPA suspensions have far-reaching implications for the future of environmental protection in the United States.