Management
The EPA is Getting Rid of Its Online Archive and Groups Are Unhappy
The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency amid the pushback.
Workforce
EPA Will Return to a ‘Hybrid’ Office in May
The agency and its union reached an agreement this month to begin bringing union workers back to facilities in May, albeit with expanded telework and remote work options.
Oversight
EPA Watchdog: Oversight ‘More Important Than Ever’ With Infrastructure Package
A specific oversight plan for the new funding is likely forthcoming.
Management
EPA Administrator Instructs Staff to Prioritize Environmental Justice
The directive furthers several executive orders and memos from President Biden.
Management
Labor and Environmental Groups Optimistic Biden’s EPA Pick Can Rebuild Trust
Still, the nominee would have a lot of work ahead of him if confirmed, advocates note.
Oversight
Watchdog Finds EPA Reopening Plans Largely Follow CDC, But Were Inconsistent
The reopening process, a source of tension between the agency and its union, is a “significant challenge” for EPA, said the report.
Management
Former EPA Leaders Call for ‘Reset’ of Agency’s Mission
Agency disagrees that changes are necessary.
Oversight
EPA Watchdog To Review the Agency’s Reopening Process
The return to offices during the pandemic has been a source of tension between the agency and its union.
Management
How EPA Could Be More Transparent With the Public
Think tank suggests more support for the newly established C-suite level position of chief data officer.
Oversight
Lawmakers Demand Answers on Alleged EPA Ethics Violations
House overseers say they found multiple instances in which officials flouted required ethics pledges and other disclosures.
Oversight
EPA Could Save Taxpayers Thousands of Dollars Through Stronger Oversight of Mobile Phones
The agency “missed an opportunity” to better use $12,000 spent over two years on unnecessary voice and data services, watchdog finds.
Pay & Benefits
EPA Circumvents Bonus Caps by Awarding Vacation Days
Highest-ranked employees received the most time off, IG finds.
Management
EPA, Union Reopen Negotiations After Agency Implements Unilateral Contract
Although the agency has promised to bargain “in good faith” with AFGE officials, the contract that evicted labor representatives from agency office space and gutted telework will remain in effect.
Management
EPA Calls Reporting on Proposed Rulemaking Update ‘Completely Misleading’
New York Times story lacks an “understanding of the rulemaking process,” said EPA.
Oversight
IG Warns of 'Ruinous' Relationship With EPA Over Failures to Cooperate
EPA chief of staff told investigators "Do not contact me further" unless they agreed to provide advance notice of the information sought, counter to investigative practice.
Oversight
Senate Democrats Decry EPA’s Decision to Unilaterally Impose Union Contract
A letter from 41 lawmakers to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said the decision to cease negotiations with the nation’s largest employee union and unilaterally implement a new contract showed a “disregard” for the law.
Management
EPA Administrator Says Culprit for Racist Messages Was 'Held Accountable'
Environmental Protection Agency officials last year sought to reassure employees following a spat of racist messages at agency facilities.
Workforce
EPA to Close a Las Vegas Office, Reassign Employees
Agency to seek buyout, early retirement authority despite restrictions from Congress.
Oversight
Senators in Both Parties Object to FOIA Changes at EPA
A recent change in public information request regulations, effective immediately, vested more power in political appointees.
Workforce