Lawsuit filed against EPA challenging the administration’s attempts to silence researchers
“The right to criticize our government and expose government wrongdoing is foundational to our democracy. But this right is meaningless if the government can freely punish dissent.”
Those are the opening words of a federal lawsuit we filed this month against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). CSLDF, along with the Civil Rights Litigation Initiative (CRLI) at the University of Michigan, is proud to represent drinking water expert Elin Warn Betanzo, who is challenging the EPA’s attempts to silence researchers.
Elin is one of thousands of federal employees and advisors targeted by the second Trump administration. Why? Last summer, she joined hundreds of EPA colleagues to sign the “EPA Declaration of Dissent,” a petition criticizing policies that undermine the agency’s mission to protect public health and the environment. In response, the agency retaliated against the signers–including by firing Elin.
This isn’t just a blatant violation of the First Amendment; it’s a direct threat to public safety and scientific integrity. This is why we are representing Elin in suing the administration, and why we continue our 15-year mission to protect the scientific endeavor from anyone–no matter how powerful–who seeks to interfere.
The Trump administration’s efforts to silence expert dissent present a clear danger to us all. But when brave individuals like Elin stand up and fight back, it reminds us that resistance is possible–and essential.
Ms. Warn Betanzo is just one of the many researchers who have sought our help (42 so far this year alone), and we remain committed to defending scientists against inappropriate interference with their work–no matter where the attacks are coming from. Our supporters make this possible.
Right now, all donations are being doubled thanks to our generous, pro-science supporters–meaning your gift will go twice as far towards defending researchers against the overreach of an aggressively anti-science administration. Will you join us?
Latest News
The Metro: She wouldn’t stay quiet. The EPA removed her
June 30, 2026 | WDET Detroit Public Radio
Drinking water expert Elin Warn Betanzo is suing the EPA after it dismissed her from an advisory committee for signing a declaration of dissent. Her case raises a bigger question — one that reaches all the way to your kitchen sink: what happens to the rest of us when the government tells its own scientists to stay quiet?
Climate Attribution Conference Explores Science, Law, and Accountability
June 27, 2026 | State of the Planet
At the second annual Attribution Science and Climate Law conference, CSLDF and others discussed “Defending Science in the Current Political Climate” and how climate researchers have faced lawsuits, aggressive open‑records requests, and proposals to dismantle federal research programs.
Drinking water expert who helped expose Flint crisis sues Trump administration after EPA firing
June 23, 2026 | Detroit Metro Times
Drinking water expert Elin Warn Betanzo is suing the Trump administration for its “zero-tolerance policy” towards dissent. In a federal lawsuit filed on June 22, she accuses the EPA of violating her First Amendment rights by suspending and later removing her from an EPA advisory committee.
Fired EPA water adviser sues over termination
June 22, 2026 | E&E News by Politico
“When I joined the [National Drinking Water Advisory Council], I committed to protecting public health and safe drinking water,” said drinking water expert Elin Warn Betanzo. “I’m fighting for the rights of all government employees and the safety of our drinking water.”
Former EPA adviser claims agency violated whistleblower protections after petition criticism
June 22, 2026 | Great Lakes Now
“The Trump EPA is using its zero-tolerance policy to intimidate EPA scientists from doing their jobs to protect Americans. So this is my story, but it’s also the story of many others,” said Warn Betanzo.
Fired EPA Worker Alleges She Was Dismissed for Opposing Zeldin
June 22, 2026 | Bloomberg Law
Former EPA advisor Elin Warn Betanzo is suing the Environmental Protection Agency for its “zero-tolerance” policy toward dissent and for violating her First Amendment rights by firing her after she publicly criticized agency leadership.
Drinking water expert who pushed for study during Flint water crisis files lawsuit against EPA
June 22, 2026 | Michigan Advance
“Today I am continuing my fight for safe water by suing the Trump administration for violating my First Amendment right to free speech,” Warn Betanzo said. “The administration fired me to scare public servants into silence. I’ve fought for safe drinking water before, and I will not be intimidated.”
We remain committed to protecting and defending scientists. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out for a free, confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.
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