Agency offers third delay in resignation to selected staff members at Environmental Protection Agency
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a third round of voluntary separation incentives, aiming to reduce its workforce as part of a broader reorganization effort and cost-cutting measures.
In a press conference at the EPA's headquarters in April, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the cancellation of environmental justice grants and the implementation of the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) 3.0. This program allows eligible employees to take administrative leave and eventually separate from the agency, helping the EPA realign its workforce to better focus on its core priorities.
Eligibility for DRP 3.0 generally applies to permanent EPA employees who choose to separate voluntarily under program conditions. While exact detailed criteria for this specific third round are not explicitly outlined, similar federal voluntary separation incentives usually apply to permanent employees within certain offices or classifications, providing financial incentives and administrative leave before separation.
The EPA's program includes placing accepting employees on paid administrative leave before their departure. Eligible employees can apply for DRP 3.0 starting this Friday and must submit their applications by July 25.
Other positions related to law enforcement, national security, and public safety may not be allowed to take DRP 3.0 if senior leadership determines their position is critical. Additionally, credentialed inspectors, Criminal Investigation Division agents, and criminal enforcement counselors are not eligible for DRP 3.0.
The EPA is also downsizing its office space in the national capital region, including moving personnel out of the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington, D.C. by this summer.
In a significant move, the EPA's fiscal 2026 budget proposal calls for a 54% cut to current spending levels, and cutting nearly 1,300 positions from its workforce, representing a 9% cut from its workforce of over 14,000 employees. The House Appropriations Committee is moving ahead with a spending bill that would cut the EPA's current $9.13 billion by 23% next year.
The EPA is offering lateral reassignment to employees in environmental justice positions who received layoff notices. However, employees in the EPA's Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights, and regional environmental justice divisions will be officially separated from the agency on July 31.
Notably, the EPA is also shutting down the National Environmental Museum, a one-room space located within the agency's headquarters. Retiring employees must separate from the EPA no later than Dec. 31.
Rehired annuitants and phased retirees are also not eligible for the EPA's latest separation incentives. Public Health Service officers, consultants, and special government employees are also excluded from the voluntary separation incentives.
For those interested in learning more about recent changes in the federal government, please contact reporter J. Hekman at jheckman@our website or on Signal at jheckman.29.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to trim its workforce, aiming to reimagine its federal workforce and cut costs, as part of a broader reorganization effort.
- As part of the EPA's efforts to downsize its office space in the national capital region, it is moving personnel out of significant locations such as the Ronald Reagan Building.
- With its fiscal 2026 budget proposal, the EPA plans a substantial cut of 54% to current spending levels, aiming to reduce nearly 1,300 positions from its workforce of over 14,000 employees, representing a 9% cut.
- Those who are interested in the recent changes in the federal government, particularly in terms of workforce reimagining, office space downsizing, and budgeting, are encouraged to contact reporter J. Hekman for more information.
