President-elect Donald Trump’s team is weighing a plan to move the EPA’s headquarters out of Washington, sparking fears of staff departures and agency disruption.
Kevin Bogardus reports for E&E News.
In short:
- Trump’s transition team is exploring relocating the EPA headquarters from Washington as part of an effort to decentralize federal agencies.
- Agency supporters, including union leaders, warn that moving the headquarters could lead to a large-scale loss of experienced EPA staff unwilling to relocate.
- The EPA is currently evaluating its real estate needs, with a report expected by mid-2025, amid broader discussions on consolidating office space.
Key quote:
“This would be a devastating blow that would make it very difficult for what would be left of the agency, at least at the headquarters, to accomplish the mission. Because it could be advertised as a relocation, but really it would be decapitation.”
— Nate James, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3331
Why this matters:
Relocating EPA headquarters could severely impact its capacity to fulfill its environmental protection mission, with possible staff reductions compromising agency expertise. If staff with years of institutional knowledge leave, the agency’s regulatory and enforcement efforts may weaken, potentially affecting environmental safeguards nationwide.
Related: Trump's plans may shrink EPA workforce, curbing Biden-era growth
