Democrats demand to know why EPA children's health official was abruptly put on leave
Source: CBS News
A number of Democratic senators are demanding an explanation from the EPA about why it put a leading children's health expert on paid leave without warning. The director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection, Dr. Ruth Etzel, spoke out only on "CBS This Morning" on Monday. At least eight U.S. senators sent letters criticizing the EPA's move and said it raises serious concerns about the agency's commitment to children's health.
Since our interview with Etzel, many people have spoken out to support her, some calling her a hero for going public with her concerns about what's happening at the Office of Children's Health, reports CBS News correspondent Anna Werner.
"It's absolutely outrageous what's happening to Dr. Etzel," Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said. "Here is somebody who's been the champion for children at the EPA, who all of a sudden without any notice, is put on administrative leave."
Etzel is a top expert whose job is to advise the EPA on how its regulations might affect children but says in the current administration "our message is no longer welcome." Over three weeks ago, EPA officials put her on paid leave, she said, without explanation.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/epa-ruth-etzel-administrative-leave-democratic-senators-demand-answers/
= new reply since forum marked as read
