OSC Response to EPA Hatch Act Allegations

The Office of Special Counsel has concluded that the appearance of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson at a 2006 fundraising event for a candidate for U.S. Congress did not violate the Hatch Act.

OSC decided that Mr. Johnson was not personally responsible for the use of his official title in the e-mail used to distribute the invitation. Further, the EPA staff had not reviewed the list of the attendees, nor informed him of who would be attending the fundraiser, or where they were employed.

While there was no personal liability on the part of the EPA Administrator, OSC determined that there were deficiencies in EPA staff review processes, and recommended that EPA staff be aware of all parties and their roles in political events, including the attendees, and consider this information when advising on participation.