Staff placed on leave, map tool shut down in tumultuous week at EPA
Staff placed on leave, map tool shut down in tumultuous week at EPA
This week, 168 EPA staffers were put on administrative leave, with more layoffs expected. Several agency staffers described an atmosphere of fear and foreboding.
Summary
Under new administrator Lee Zeldin, the EPA faced a tumultuous week with dramatic personnel changes. Over 1,100 probationary employees risk immediate termination.
In addition, 168 staffers working on environmental justice were placed on leave, deepening uncertainty and fear within the agency.
The EPA also disabled EJScreen, an online mapping tool used by governments to address environmental disparities, marking a shift in focus.
Zeldin’s new agenda claims to prioritize efficiency, AI development, and automotive jobs, a politically charged strategy that critics argue undermines EPA’s traditional mission.
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Why would Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly vote to confirm Zeldin?
“After meeting with Mr. Zeldin and evaluating his nomination, I found him to be qualified for the job. He has committed to working with me and Arizonans on the unique air and water quality challenges we face to make sure we both protect public health and natural resources while growing our economy. I’ll be supporting his nomination and look forward to working with him on these commitments and holding him accountable when we disagree.” - Mark Kelly