Mass layoffs can move forward, with devastating impacts for conservation and science - High Country News
Briefly

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration's planned federal layoffs to move forward, impacting over 100,000 federal workers. Plans to terminate staff from at least 17 agencies were already underway, threatening key sectors including science and veteran services. Significant layoffs are anticipated at the U.S. Geological Survey's biological research division, potentially halting critical conservation efforts. Critics describe these cuts as shortsighted and fear they will exacerbate environmental crises, as vital functions like the Bird Banding Lab may cease operations.
The Trump administration is pushing fast forward on the extinction crisis. If we get rid of the science that shows environmental problems, we won't have to think about it, but that won't make them go away.
Plans to fire staff of at least 17 agencies and departments were already underway, with expected impacts to the nation's science, veteran health, small businesses, universities and much more.
Imminent cuts reportedly include up to 80% of staff at the U.S. Geological Survey's biological research arm, whose science is the bedrock of American conservation.
Cuts could, for example, shutter the Bird Banding Lab, without which all handling and marking of live wild birds in the U.S. would quickly halt.
Read at High Country News
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