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- Over 300 EPA career employees have left since the election due to the Trump administration’s radical changes.
- Key specialists, including toxicologists, lawyers, and environmental experts, are among those departing.
- EPA employees describe a climate of fear and defiance amidst the administration’s efforts to transform the agency.
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Essential Context
The Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to reshape the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have led to a significant exodus of career employees. Since the election, more than 300 specialists, including toxicologists, lawyers, engineers, and environmental experts, have left the agency.
Core Players
- Donald Trump – Former president and current administration leader
- Lee Zeldin – Newly confirmed EPA administrator
- EPA career employees – Including those in environmental justice, enforcement, and scientific roles
- Fossil fuel and chemical industry representatives – Influencing EPA policies
Key Numbers
- 300+ – Career EPA employees who have left since the election
- 15,000 – Total EPA employees
- 7,000 – EPA employees based in Washington, D.C., potentially affected by a headquarters relocation
- 250 – EPA employees working in environmental justice positions at risk due to executive orders
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The Catalyst
The Trump administration’s announcement of radical changes to the EPA, including reversing efforts to address climate change and abandoning decades-long focuses on protecting vulnerable communities from pollution, triggered widespread concern among employees.
One employee, who has spent nearly 40 years enforcing environmental laws, decided to leave on election night due to fears about the incoming administration’s intentions.
Inside Forces
EPA employees face a climate of fear and uncertainty. The administration has offered employees deals to resign and receive pay through September, a move challenged by unions as legally questionable. Recently hired workers on probation have been told they can be let go immediately.
The agency’s headquarters might be relocated outside of Washington, D.C., which could force many employees to quit. An executive order aims to terminate environmental justice offices and positions, affecting hundreds of staff members.
Power Dynamics
The Trump administration holds significant power in reshaping the EPA. The new EPA administrator, Lee Zeldin, and other appointees have ties to fossil fuel and chemical companies, aligning the agency’s policies with these industries’ interests.
The administration plans to remove civil service protections, allowing positions to be filled based on loyalty rather than expertise. This move could replace skilled professionals with those loyal to the administration.
Outside Impact
The changes at the EPA have broader implications for public health and the environment. Employees warn that the reduction in environmental regulations will lead to increased pollution, more health issues, and higher mortality rates.
The elimination of environmental justice work and positions could disproportionately affect communities with higher percentages of low-income and minority residents.
Future Forces
The future of the EPA and its mission to protect human health and the environment hangs in the balance. As more employees consider leaving or are forced out, the agency’s ability to enforce environmental laws and protect vulnerable communities is severely compromised.
Key areas to watch include the implementation of the executive order on environmental justice, the relocation of the EPA headquarters, and the replacement of skilled professionals with loyal appointees.
- Implementation of the executive order on environmental justice
- Relocation of the EPA headquarters
- Replacement of skilled professionals with loyal appointees
Data Points
- 1992: Environmental justice office established at the EPA
- 2020: Biden administration’s environmental policies
- 2025: Trump administration’s executive order on environmental justice and DEI programs
- Nov. 22: Start of significant EPA staff departures post-election
The ongoing turmoil at the EPA underscores a critical juncture in the agency’s history, with profound implications for environmental protection and public health. As the administration continues to reshape the agency, the future of environmental regulation in the U.S. remains uncertain.
