Listen to this article

EPA to Lay Off Nearly 280 Environmental Justice Staff Starting July 31; FEMA Cuts 20% Workforce Ahead of Hurricane Season

24 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)

Updated Apr 24, 2025, 01:42 AM

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has initiated a reduction in force affecting nearly 280 employees involved in environmental justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. According to an internal memo dated April 21, 2025, and reviewed by Bloomberg Law, the EPA began notifying staff of layoffs or reassignments starting July 31. The affected employees work at the EPA headquarters and regional offices, and their roles have been deemed no longer aligned with the agency's mission following the recent closure of the environmental justice and civil rights office.

This workforce reduction is part of a broader staffing shakeup under the Trump administration's EPA leadership. Separately, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is also reducing its workforce by approximately 20%, with about 1,000 permanent full-time staff expected to take voluntary buyouts ahead of the upcoming hurricane season. This reduction includes the departure of longtime leaders and is part of a broader federal workforce cut directed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.