Message to EPA Employees from Administrator Zeldin: The Importance of Maintaining an Ethical Culture (February 21, 2025)
Colleagues,
It is my honor to serve as the EPA Administrator and to continue my obligation to the American people to protect human health and the environment. As we carry out our important work, the public must have the utmost confidence that we do so free of conflicts of interest and with their best interests in mind.
For this reason, it is important that we review and observe our ethical obligations. The 14 General Principles of Ethical Conduct (pdf) set the framework for the executive branch ethics program and the EPA ethics officials are available to assist you in understanding and abiding by these critical principles.
To be ethical not only means following the rules but striving to exceed these standards and prevent even the appearance of impropriety.
Some important rules to remember are:
- We may not engage in outside activities and employment that conflict with our official duties.
- We may not hold conflicting financial interests.
- We may not misuse our government title, resources, time, or any authority associated with our official position for our own benefit or the benefit of others.
- We may not represent others in our personal capacities before federal agencies or courts, with limited exceptions.
- We may not accept gifts from regulated entities or those offered because of our official position, with limited exclusions and exceptions.
- We may not disclose non-public information to unauthorized persons or use the information for our benefit or the benefit of others.
- We must complete all financial disclosure reporting and ethics training requirements in a timely manner, among other obligations.
For more information, check out the EPA Ethics website, where you can also locate your ethics officials and find answers to how the ethics rules apply to you.
In addition, it is important that we abide by the Hatch Act and related regulations regarding when and how we can engage in political activity, none of which is permitted in the federal workplace, on government time, or using your official authority or official title. For more information about the Hatch Act, visit the Office of Special Counsel website or contact your ethics official.
Sincerely,
Administrator Lee Zeldin