In response to Sen. Tom Carper's misleading staff report, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler has issued the following statement:

This staff report is nothing more than a pandemic of political propaganda. The truth is EPA has been a part of President Trump’s comprehensive “whole of the government” response to effectively address the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to protect human health and the environment. Every EPA office has been working wholeheartedly in the President’s fight against COVID-19. Some examples include:

• Expanding the list of disinfectants the American public can use against COVID-19.On March 5th there were 60 EPA-approved products and now there are over 400 products.
• Ensuring Water Supply Protection. EPA requested state governors consider all water and wastewater workers as essential workers when enacting restrictions to curb COVID-19.
• Initiating constructive research by agency’s career scientists. The agency’s Science Advisory Board has started a number of research activities related to COVID-19 to better inform policy makers and the public.
• Providing additional grant funding for Opportunity Zones and Environmental Justice Communities. EPA awarded $65 million in Brownfield Grants to 155 communities and  established a new $1 million grant program to help Environmental Justice communities impacted by COVID-19.

I am proud of our agency’s efforts throughout this pandemic and nothing a politician says can diminish the hard work from our entire team.