President Trump announced a potential cut of 65% of the EPA's workforce during his cabinet meeting, involving Administrator Lee Zeldin and aimed at reducing federal spending. This revelation surprised agency staff, who felt blindsided, with union leaders questioning the feasibility of such cuts while maintaining the agency’s mission. Meanwhile, the EPA aims for operational efficiency through measures like cutting grants and reassessing real estate. Critics argue that such drastic reductions contradict prior commitments to uphold the agency's environmental objectives and support its dedicated staff.
"I spoke with Lee Zeldin, and he thinks he's going to be cutting 65 or so percent of the people from environmental [sic]," Trump said. "And we're going to speed up the process too at the same time."
"Mr. Zeldin stated during his confirmation testimony that he pledged 'to enthusiastically uphold the EPA's mission...foster a collaborative culture within the agency, supporting career staff who have dedicated themselves to this mission,'" Joyce Howell said. "So which is it? Upholding the EPA mission or imposing a reduction in force that makes upholding the EPA mission an impossibility?"
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