EPA begins layoffs of environmental justice staff

Source: Reuters

The Environmental Protection Agency sent termination notices on Tuesday to staff who work on environmental justice programs at its headquarters and across regional offices, saying their work no longer aligns with the mission of the agency.

The reduction-in-force letters were sent to nearly 200 employees of the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights who were placed on administrative leave in February. They were then reinstated pending legal challenges.

The RIF notices now served take effect on July 31.

"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," said the letter, seen by Reuters, that was sent to employees on Monday.

The environmental justice office had a mission of integrating equity and civil rights into environmental policymaking, and protecting low-income and minorities most at risk from air and water pollution.

Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/epa-begins-layoffs-environmental-justice-135141439.html