PEER Seeks Information on EPA’s Use of AI
On March 5, 2026, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) announced its initiative to enhance transparency regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)‘s utilization of artificial intelligence (AI). Through counsel at the Free Information Group (FIG), PEER has filed a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests aimed at uncovering how AI tools are integrated within the EPA’s workforce and regulatory frameworks.
Objectives of the FOIA Requests
PEER’s primary goal is to gain clarity on the specific uses of AI systems, particularly in relation to:
- Analyzing employee communications
- Reporting on anti-Trump sentiment
- Evaluating chemical safety and other regulatory decisions
Amidst growing concerns, PEER has pointed out statements made by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who has advocated for the deployment of AI to accelerate chemical reviews.
Specific Requests Made by PEER
The FOIA requests encompass several key areas, including:
- Records related to the integration of external AI tools, such as Grok or xAI, into the EPA’s Microsoft 365 or Teams systems.
- Keyword alert lists, sentiment markers, configuration files, or compliance dashboards used to analyze employee communications.
- AI-generated reports or dashboards that categorize or score employees based on metrics like ideological neutrality and agency alignment.
- A collection of records concerning EPA chemical assessments and the application of AI, including screening tools for seven specific chemicals.
- Correspondence involving senior EPA leadership and the Chief AI Officer regarding AI deployment in workforce monitoring and regulatory contexts.
Public Accessibility of Records
PEER and FIG have committed to making all responsive records publicly available as they are received, aiming to promote transparency and accountability in the EPA’s AI practices.
This initiative underscores the increasing scrutiny of AI’s role in government agencies, particularly regarding the implications for employee privacy and regulatory integrity.
