Zeldin starts EPA overhaul amidst staff alterations

TL/DR –

The Trump administration has begun efforts to shrink the federal government with actions affecting the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that include cancelled contracts and workforce reductions. The EPA has made a decision about the 2009 ruling on greenhouse gas rules, though this decision has been kept private, and nine contracts totalling roughly $60m have been cancelled. These changes from the administration could have implications for the waste and recycling industry, with groups representing the public sector pushing back against some of the changes.

EPA Changes and Federal Workforce Reductions Under Trump Administration

In President Donald Trump’s first month in office, federal officials have begun efforts to downsize the government. This includes cancelled contracts at the U.S. EPA and announcements regarding workforce reductions.

Public sector groups have resisted these changes, with Lawyers for Good Government receiving over 230 requests for legal assistance from organizations struggling with climate and clean energy grants. Lawsuits to ensure EPA program funds continue to be an ongoing issue.

Here are some key changes from the Trump administration that impact the waste and recycling industry:

EPA changes

• The EPA has made a confidential decision regarding a 2009 ruling related to greenhouse gas rules. Abandoning this endangerment finding could unravel many regulations for reducing carbon emissions, E&E News reported.
• Nine contracts costing approximately $60 million were cancelled by the EPA, labeling them as “wasteful DEI and environmental justice initiatives“. Specific contracts affected were not disclosed.
• The EPA has cleared or deferred 75% of properties affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles, creating approximately 4.5 million tons of waste, KABC reported.

Business impacts

• 133 local leaders have urged Congress not to repeal tax credits related to the Inflation Reduction Act, which could affect clean energy tax credits including the Clean Fuel Production Credit and the Investment Tax Credit for Energy Property.
• FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson confirmed the 2023 joint merger guidelines will remain in effect, as stability is beneficial for enforcement agencies. The guidelines provide a discretionary framework for assessing potential mergers and acquisitions.

Personnel

• EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin scheduled a meeting with the Department of Government Efficiency that recommends slashing personnel and programs across the federal government and has access to EPA’s contracting system.
• Trump issued an executive order directing the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with DOGE, to downsize the federal workforce via attrition and job cuts. For every four employees that leave, only one can be hired.

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