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EPA Reinstates Environmental Justice Staff Amid Workforce Turmoil

Summary

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recalled dozens of environmental justice staffers who were previously placed on administrative leave under the Trump administration. Many employees face challenges upon their return, such as revoked system access and disorganized reassignment. Some staff remain on leave or have been terminated. The recalled employees are expected to manage Community Change Grants and maintain relationships with local governments, tribes, and communities. The upheaval reflects broader workforce cuts across federal agencies, particularly targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. Critics warn that these reductions undermine environmental justice efforts and weaken the EPA’s enforcement capacity. Meanwhile, state attorneys general have filed lawsuits to halt mass firings of probationary federal employees. The reinstatements come amid uncertainty over whether returning staff will be able to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

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