Environmental Protection Network

We are the Environmental Protection Network (EPN), a dynamic organization born from a shared commitment to safeguard the environment and public health. Founded in January 2017, our network has grown to include over 650 dedicated alumni of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our members, comprising former career staff and political appointees from both Democratic and Republican administrations, volunteer their invaluable expertise and decades of historical knowledge to the cause. We came together in the wake of the 2016 election, united by the conviction that a strong, independent, and science-based EPA is essential for the well-being of our nation. We felt a profound responsibility to be ready for that moment and to defend the integrity of the agency we all served.

Our mission is multifaceted and deeply rooted in service. We work tirelessly to ensure that the EPA advances policies, budgets, and institutional changes that effectively address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, including climate change and environmental injustice. A core part of our work involves providing pro bono, capacity-building technical assistance. We offer our expertise to frontline communities, non-profit organizations, and under-resourced state, local, and tribal government agencies, empowering them to navigate complex regulatory processes and advocate for their right to clean air, water, and land. We believe in leveling the playing field by sharing knowledge and resources that have long been accessible only to the well-funded. Furthermore, we are passionate about fostering the next generation of environmental leaders. We actively work to recruit and retain a more diverse workforce at the EPA, mentoring current staff and encouraging talented individuals from underrepresented populations to pursue careers in public service. By educating Congress, serving as a trusted source for reporters, and supporting civil servants, we strive to be a constant, unwavering voice for science, objective analysis, and a healthy planet for all.