EPA staff instructed to halt most external interactions and cancel scheduled gatherings with external entities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a directive to its employees, instructing them not to communicate with external entities, according to reports. K.C. Schefski, the acting director in the Office of Civil Enforcement, informed staff that the political leadership has directed that communications with external entities pause, with limited exceptions.

This directive comes as the EPA, under the leadership of President Trump, has been undergoing significant changes. Trump, who promised to roll back many of the EPA's authorities, has also instructed the EPA and other agencies to cease obligating funds made available by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The pause on external communications has caused some employees to pause various work, awaiting further guidance. EPA employees are not permitted to engage in any negotiations with outside parties, pending approval from the administrator's office. However, they are permitted to work with state partners on non-case matters, per an email sent to staff.

The current approval for negotiations between EPA employees and foreign parties is generally granted by the EPA Administrator or designated senior officials within the Environmental Protection Agency. The pause at the Defense Department was necessary "in order for DoD Components to prepare for this reorientation of content on their platforms," as stated by Joe Kasper, the department's newly sworn in chief of staff.

Despite the directive, the EPA has continued issuing press releases. An EPA spokesperson has denied that the agency has issued a pause on external communications. However, several EPA employees have reported facing a ban from engaging in discussions with state or local governments.

Tim Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, stated that the communications pause and other Trump administration actions affect the federal workforce and would benefit corporations and individuals who oppose environmental enforcement. He also mentioned that the Trump administration's actions are part of a broader pattern of undermining environmental protections.

The directive to pause external communications at the EPA is just one of many changes that the agency has undergone under the Trump administration. The administration has also instituted a regulatory freeze and review at the EPA and ordered it to facilitate new, non-wind energy projects. Shortly after President Trump's inauguration, the Health and Human Service Department issued a pause on regulations, guidance, press releases, and any website posts.

President Trump immediately revoked President Biden's executive orders related to climate change and ordered EPA to review pending litigation to potentially seek stays on the cases until the administration can unwind the regulations that underlie them. These actions have raised concerns among environmental groups and some Democrats, who argue that the administration is rolling back critical protections and undermining the fight against climate change.

Despite these challenges, K.C. Schefski has stated that he is in contact with the administrator's office on how to proceed. The spokesperson also stated that most major decisions are undergoing a quick review process to ensure transparency and accountability to the American people. The EPA's actions under the Trump administration will continue to be closely watched by environmental groups, politicians, and the public.

EPA staff instructed to halt most external interactions and cancel scheduled gatherings with external entities