SUBJECT: Next Steps - Environmental Justice and Civil Rights

FROM: Administrator Lisa P. Jackson

TO: All EPA Employees

15 years ago, the first Executive Order on Environmental Justice was signed by President Clinton. Since that time, EPA and its partners have made progress on identifying and addressing the health and environmental burdens faced by communities disproportionately impacted by pollution. We should be proud of the work we’ve done to expand the reach of environmentalism and give those communities a voice in critical decisions that impact their lives. But a great deal of work remains ahead of us, and as EPA Administrator I am more committed than ever to environmental justice. (more…)

DATE: May 9, 2009

SUBJECT: Scientific Integrity: Our Compass for Environmental Protection

FROM: Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

TO: All EPA Employees

On March 9, President Obama issued a Memorandum on Scientific Integrity underscoring that the “public must be able to trust the science and scientific process informing public policy decisions.” The public health and environmental laws that Congress has enacted depend on rigorous adherence to the best available science. That is why, when I became Administrator, I pledged to uphold values of scientific integrity every day.

Science must be the compass guiding our environmental protection decisions. We cannot make the best decisions unless we have confidence in the integrity of the science on which we rely. Therefore, it is my promise that scientific integrity will be the backbone of my leadership of the Agency. (more…)

Memo to EPA Employees

DATE: April 23, 2009

SUBJECT: Transparency in EPA’s Operations

FROM: Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

TO: All EPA Employees

* General Principles
* Appointment Calendars
* Freedom of Information Act Policy
* Rulemaking Proceedings
* Litigation and Formal Adjudication
* Contacts with Congress and the Press
* Communications Generally
* Conclusion

In my testimony before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and in my January 23, 2009, memorandum to all employees, I expressed my commitment to uphold the values of transparency and openness in conducting EPA operations. President Obama recently said in a memorandum to agency heads: “Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset.” I am asking each one of you to help me ensure EPA operates in full compliance with this principle. (more…)

MEMORANDUM

DATE: January 23, 2009

TO: All EPA Employees

FROM: Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator

I can think of no higher calling or privilege than rejoining EPA as your Administrator. I am grateful and humbled that President Obama has given me this honor. With his election and with my appointment, President Obama has dramatically changed the face of American environmentalism. With your help, we can now change the face of the environment as well.

During my 21 years in public service, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and professionalism of EPA’s workforce. Thousands of committed, hard-working and talented employees for whom protecting the environment is a calling, not just a job, have made EPA a driving force in environmental protection since 1970.  (more…)