EPA staff consider job moves as Trump’s potential return looms, threatening environmental policies and job security.
At a Glance
- EPA employees are exploring job options in other federal departments amid concerns about a potential Trump presidency
- Trump’s proposed “Schedule F” could strip protections from up to 50,000 federal employees
- Fears of politicization and loss of scientific integrity in environmental decision-making are driving staff concerns
- The EPA and its union have ratified a new contract to protect staff reporting scientific integrity violations
- Experts warn of potential loss of expertise and disruption to ongoing environmental cases
EPA Staff Brace for Potential Policy Shifts
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees are reportedly considering job transitions to other federal departments as concerns mount over a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. The prospect of significant shifts in environmental regulation and energy policy has created a sense of unease among EPA staff, who fear for their job security and the continuation of current environmental initiatives.
The apprehension stems from Trump’s previous attempts to reshape the federal workforce and alter environmental policy frameworks during his first term. EPA staff are now proactively exploring opportunities in departments such as Energy and Commerce to ensure stable employment in the event of a policy overhaul.
“Schedule F” and Its Potential Impact
A key concern for EPA employees is the proposed implementation of “Schedule F,” a plan that could significantly alter the structure of the federal workforce. This initiative would potentially strip employment protections from up to 50,000 federal employees, allowing for greater political influence over agencies like the EPA. “We will pass critical reforms making every executive branch employee fireable by the president of the United States,” Trump stated in the past.
The plan aims to replace mid-level staff with loyalists who may downplay climate change threats, potentially leading to an exodus of experts from the EPA. This could severely impact the implementation of climate laws and ongoing environmental protection efforts.
Safeguarding Scientific Integrity
In response to these concerns, the EPA and its largest staff union have ratified a new contract allowing employees to report scientific integrity violations without fear of retribution. This move comes after the Union of Concerned Scientists recorded a high number of such violations during Trump’s first term.
“There are policy directions, and then there are fundamental understandings about the way our government should operate,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a government oversight group. “Former President Trump is presenting not actually a very clear view on policy, but a much clearer view about how he wants to change the nature of government.”
Experts stress the need for structural reforms to insulate science from political influence. However, the Scientific Integrity Act, which aims to protect science from such interference, remains stalled in Congress due to lack of support.
Potential Consequences for Environmental Protection
A second Trump administration could result in fewer and less protective environmental regulations, potentially unwinding Biden-era policies. There are also concerns about disruptions to ongoing civil and criminal cases against polluters.
The potential exodus of experienced staff and the influx of politically appointed replacements raise questions about the EPA’s future capacity to make science-informed decisions and implement effective environmental policies. This shift could have long-lasting impacts on the nation’s environmental protection efforts and climate change mitigation strategies.
As the 2024 election approaches, the fate of the EPA and its staff remains uncertain, with many watching closely to see how potential changes in administration might reshape the landscape of environmental policy and federal workforce management.
