"The agency joins several across government at which the Trump administration has issued at least a partial gag order. An agency spokesperson has denied that a pause is in place."
"An Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson denied that the agency has called for a halt on external communications despite a recent directive instructing employees not to communicate with outside entities, forcing them to pause various work as they await further guidance.
The directive is one of many similar gag orders across government, including those in place at public health agencies and the Defense Department. The instructions have caused outcry from some lawmakers and stakeholders concerned that key reports will not be issued and agency operations will be interrupted.
K.C. Schefski, EPA's acting director in the Office of Civil Enforcement, for example, said in an email to staff that "the political leadership has directed that communications with external entities pause, with limited exceptions.” He added it was not yet clear how EPA enforcement actions would be impacted and was in contact with the administrator’s office on how to proceed.
Schefski instructed employees with meetings or negotiations scheduled with external parties regarding an administrative matter to send the following cancellation note: “Due to the administration change and transition activity, we need to cancel our upcoming meeting and reschedule for a later date. We will be in touch as soon as possible to find another time.”"
Eric Katz reports for Government Executive January 29, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"Trump Directs Agencies To Torpedo Federal Union Contracts" (E&E News)
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