EPA lays off key environmental justice staff, pushing ahead with cuts that hit employees who work with communities suffering from pollution for years. On Wednesday, the agency handed out layoff notices to 22 people from regional offices all over the country, which is another clear sign they’re rolling back efforts meant to help those hit hardest by environmental problems. The EPA’s biggest union, AFGE Council 238, says these employees will leave their jobs next month, which is all part of the administration’s bigger plan to shrink the agency and strip away regulations.

Reduction-in-Force Notices Issued

The RIF notices officially informed the employees that their jobs were being eliminated. “This memorandum is to inform you that because your position is being abolished, you will be separated from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” read one of the notices. The employees had already been put on administrative leave and will stay on leave until their separation from the agency becomes official.

The notice further indicates that the employee’s separation from the agency will be effective as of March 27, 2026. The layoffs are being carried out in order to satisfy two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump last year, aimed at the elimination of diversity programs and the reduction of the federal workforce.

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Union Voices Strong Opposition

Opposition from union members is mounting against this decision by AFGE Council 238 President Justin Chen, who stated the cuts “outraged” the union. He indicated that there is no financial reason to continue laying off employees because “EPA Funding levels are steady” and the impacted workers are highly qualified professionals employed by the agency in order to accomplish its mission.

Chen urged the EPA to build up staff resources rather than reduce them, asking all agency leadership to withdraw RIFs and redirect the money used for those payouts to build up the agency’s ability to successfully carry out its function to protect everyone in the U.S. with respect to the environment and the health of all citizens.

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Broader Reorganization Underway

In addition to the above-mentioned layoffs, EPA data indicates that last year, there were also 37 employees out of the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights who, unfortunately, took part in the deferred resignation programme.

Furthermore, according to EPA staff planning data, 25 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility employees are also still on leave as of September, and their terminations are unknown at this time. EPA lays off key environmental justice staff, illustrating a significant departure from environmental justice program activity and a shift toward a leaner federal environmental workforce.

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