The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started recalling staff members who were previously put on administrative leave. This decision follows significant changes in the agency’s approach to environmental justice, as shared by three former EPA officials with Inside Climate News.
While the exact number of recalled staff remains unclear, they are being reassigned to various roles, primarily focused on managing projects and continuing community relationships. Matthew Tejada, a former deputy assistant administrator at the EPA, highlighted their important responsibilities, which include overseeing the Community Change Grants program. This program helps community organizations tackle pollution and infrastructure issues, providing up to $20 million in support.
Tejada mentioned that he learned about these staff reinstatements through contacts within the agency, estimating the recalled staff to be in the “dozens.” However, Adam Ortiz, a former regional administrator, described the recall process as somewhat chaotic. He noted that some employees received termination notices, only to be asked back to work without proper access to their accounts or resources. This disorganization has left many in confusion regarding their employment status.
Although some staff are returning, many others remain on leave, and some probationary workers were terminated altogether, leading Ortiz to describe the situation as “a chaotic and cruel circus.”
The EPA has not confirmed precise details about the recalled staff but referenced a prior announcement stating that 171 employees focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice were placed on administrative leave. This restructuring effort aimed to align the agency more closely with its mission of protecting public health and the environment.
David Cash, another former EPA regional administrator, has received reports that some employees are being asked to return to work. However, he expressed concern about the ability of recalled staff to perform their jobs effectively, mentioning that there are ongoing issues with grant management and communication with the communities they serve.
Environmental justice programs, crucial for mitigating pollution and health inequalities in marginalized communities, have faced scrutiny during the Trump administration. Advocates argue that dismantling these programs threatens vulnerable populations who rely on them for support.
Similarly, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative linked to billionaire Elon Musk, has been involved in reducing staff across federal agencies. This has raised alarms about the efficiency of government programs that serve public interests, especially in light of abrupt workforce reductions impacting safety-critical roles at agencies like the Nuclear Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Overall, current actions at the EPA reflect broader trends in governmental restructuring that could jeopardize efforts to protect communities from environmental hazards and uphold civil rights. Advocates worry that such changes could lead to increased pollution and health risks in already burdened areas.
Check out this related article: Why the US Coast Guard Academy is Scrubbing ‘Climate Change’ from Its Curriculum: An Inside Look
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