Employees in the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division received an email indicating the agency would be undertaking a reduction in force.
That division helps states with recycling and compost programs.
It’s not immediately clear how many people will be impacted and whether any additional offices within the EPA also will face layoffs.
“This notice is to inform you that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be conducting a Reduction in Force,” said the email from Steven Cook, principal deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management.
“This action is necessary to align our workforce with the Agency’s current and future needs and to ensure the efficient and effective operation of our programs,” Cook wrote.
Asked about layoffs broadly, an EPA spokesperson told The Hill via email, “It’s unfortunate that Democrats have chosen to shut down the government and brought about this outcome. If they want to reopen the government, they can choose to do so at any time.” s
The agency did not address questions from The Hill about which offices were facing cuts and how many people would be fired. It did not immediately respond to follow up questions about the resource conservation and sustainability division.
Read more at TheHill.com.
