EPA Gags Staff

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has directed staff to "refrain from answering" media calls in order to "prevent EPA management from being surprised by news coverage," according to an agency memo obtained by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The Mid-western region acting administrator Bharat Mathur told staff that in the interest of "open communication" and "shaping consistent messages" they were not to work with or talk to the press. "If you receive any request for information or an interview from a member of the media, you should refer the caller to [EPA's Office of Public Affairs]," Mathur wrote. "Please refrain from answering such inquires directly. OPA will determine the appropriate response - and who should respond - after consultation with program staff, and if necessary, after elevating issues for senior-level attention." Inside EPA reports similar instructions being given to staff in the Mountain and Plains region. "EPA is instructing its employees not to discuss political issues with reporters, citing fears that such interactions could inappropriately characterize Bush administration policies just weeks before the November elections," Inside EPA reports.