EPA Initiates Major Staff Cuts in Environmental Justice Programs
The EPA has started layoffs affecting hundreds of employees in environmental justice roles, aligning with new regulatory changes and organizational goals.
Overview
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to initiate layoffs of approximately 280 workers from its environmental justice and diversity programs as part of a broader organizational reconfiguration. This reduction follows significant regulatory rollbacks under the current administration and aims to realign agency functions to improve operational efficiency. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin noted that current environmental justice initiatives are ineffective, prompting this change. The layoffs will take effect on July 31, with additional cuts anticipated against the backdrop of President Trump’s directives to transform federal agencies.
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Analysis
- The EPA's reduction in force will terminate approximately 280 workers focused on environmental justice, indicating a significant shift in agency priorities.
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claims the reorganization is necessary to align the agency's workforce with its current mission and budgetary goals, including a proposed budget cut of 65%.
- Critics, including representatives from the EPA workforce, argue that cutting environmental justice programs undermines the agency's commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
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NBC News·2M·FAQ
The current round of layoffs does not specify the exact total, but previous reports mentioned administrative leave for 168 workers in February. Additionally, there is talk of a broader reduction involving hundreds of employees over time.
The layoffs are attributed to aligning the workforce with current and future agency needs and ensuring operational efficiency, according to the memo by Assistant Deputy Administrator Travis Voyles.
Yes, the EPA previously reinstated dozens of employees after placing them on leave from its environmental justice and civil rights office, largely due to pressure from the White House and legal obligations.
The layoffs are scheduled to take effect on July 31.
History
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