EPA Accused of Discrediting Scientists and Surveilling Residents in East Palestine

EPA's Actions in East Palestine

• 🔍 Internal EPA emails reveal efforts to discredit an independent scientist, Scott Smith, who found elevated levels of dioxins in East Palestine following the 2023 train derailment.
• 🎯 The agency reportedly tracked Smith's movements, collected his personal information, and distributed photos of him and his dog to over 50 employees.
• 🛰️ Drones were also documented hovering over Smith on multiple occasions, suggesting surveillance of his actions.

Controlling the Narrative

• 🗣️ The EPA's actions are described as an effort to control the narrative and suppress information about potential long-term health impacts.
• 🚫 Instead of engaging in dialogue, the agency allegedly launched a "smear campaign" to undermine the scientist's findings.
• 🏢 This behavior is characterized as a systemic issue within the EPA, prioritizing public relations over community health and transparency.

Resident Experiences and Calls for Accountability

• 📢 Residents like Jamie Wallace reported being surveilled, with their social media posts being cataloged.
• ⚖️ Wallace expressed that citizens were "screwed from the beginning" and that mistakes were made, urging the EPA to make things right rather than covering up flaws.
• 💰 RFK Jr. criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for surveillance instead of testing, calling Smith an "extraordinary advocate for the people of East Palestine."

EPA's Response

• 📄 The EPA provided a statement expressing concern over the claims and promising a thorough review of decisions made after the train derailment, emphasizing a commitment to transparency under the Biden administration.
• ⚠️ Despite the statement, the ongoing reporting highlights a troubling pattern of cover-up and lack of transparency by the EPA in East Palestine.