Podcast: National Whistleblower Appreciation Day 2026

July 30, 2026

In celebration of National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, whistleblower protection coordinator Lori Ruk joins EPA Uncovered to discuss the essential role that whistleblowers have in helping to root out fraud, abuse, waste, mismanagement, and other misconduct in government operations.

More EPA Uncovered podcast episodes: Listen to our staff talk about their latest audit reports, investigative functions, and other initiatives.

Whistleblowing is defined as disclosing information that the individual reasonably believes evidences: (1) a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; (2) gross mismanagement; (3) a gross waste of funds; (4) an abuse of authority; (5) a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety; or (6) censorship related to scientific research if censorship meets one of the foregoing categories. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8).

Whistleblowing also covers engaging in protected activity, which is defined as: (1) filing a complaint, grievance, or appeal; (2) testifying or assisting someone else with these activities; (3) cooperating with or disclosing information to the Inspector General, or any other agency component responsible for internal investigation or review; or (4) refusing to obey an order that would require a violation of a law, rule, or regulation. 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(9).