Investigative Summary: The EPA OIG Substantiated Retaliation Allegations Against the Nonprofit Blacks in Green
Report No. 26-N-0052 | September 29, 2026
Why We Did This Report
Under 41 U.S.C. § 4712, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is required to conduct investigations of nonfrivolous allegations of reprisal made by employees of EPA or U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees, and personal services contractors for making protected disclosures to certain persons or bodies regarding EPA or CSB contracts or grants. In September 2026, the EPA OIG concluded an investigation into allegations that Blacks in Green, the recipient of an EPA grant, retaliated against an employee for disclosing potential inaccuracies in Blacks in Green’s grant documentation in violation of 41 U.S.C. § 4712(a). Blacks in Green is an environmental justice nonprofit based in Chicago, Illinois.
Summary of Findings
Our investigation substantiated allegations that Blacks in Green terminated an employee and removed the employee’s supervisory duties in retaliation for the employee disclosing potential inaccuracies in Blacks in Green’s grant documentation. We did not substantiate the allegation that Blacks in Green removed the employee from meetings in retaliation for the employee’s disclosures.
Report Materials
OIG Independence of EPA
The EPA's Office of Inspector General is a part of the EPA, although Congress provides our funding separate from the agency, to ensure our independence. We were created pursuant to the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended.
Environmental Protection Agency | Office of Inspector General
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. (2410T) | Washington, DC 20460 | 202-566-2391
OIG Hotline: 1-888-546-8740.