By Jamie Martin
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has fired 388 workers as part of a federal workforce reduction initiative. This move follows a directive from the Office of Personnel Management, targeting probationary employees in various government agencies.
According to an official EPA statement, the terminations were conducted “in accordance with President’s executive orders” and aimed at streamlining government operations. Officials insist that proper procedures were followed in notifying affected employees.
Environmental organizations and unions, however, argue that these cuts will weaken the agency’s ability to enforce environmental regulations. Nicole Cantello, president of the AFGE 704 union, stated, “These are people we desperately need. We don’t think it’s justified, and we don’t think it’s necessary.”
The EPA is not the only agency facing job cuts. The Energy Department has dismissed 2,000 employees, while the Small Business Administration, General Services Administration, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have also seen reductions.
Additionally, the EPA’s environmental justice office was shut down last week, resulting in 168 job losses after an executive order eliminated diversity and inclusion programs.
Environmental advocates fear that reducing EPA staff will compromise the agency’s ability to regulate air and water pollution. Sierra Club Executive Director Ben Jealous stated, “The people Trump fired today are hardworking, dedicated civil servants who have elected to devote their careers to protecting our clean air and water.”
Representative Jared Huffman of California criticized the decision, warning of potential risks. “There will be environmental, health and safety consequences to this, and Trump and his GOP enablers will own it,” he said.
The large-scale government workforce reduction is expected to continue.
Photo Credit: environment-protection-agency
Categories: National