Agency proposes third postponed departure deal to particular workers
Environmental Protection Agency Announces Third Round of Voluntary Separation Incentives
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a third round of voluntary separation incentives for eligible employees, offering options such as deferred resignations and early retirement. This program is part of an ongoing effort to restructure or manage workforce levels at the EPA [1][2].
Eligibility for the incentives is limited to a portion of the EPA workforce who meet specific criteria set by the agency. The exact eligibility details, such as which categories of employees qualify, are not clearly stated in the available search results [1][2].
The third round of incentives includes the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) 3.0, which is open to eligible EPA employees. Employees in regional offices excluded from DRP 2.0 can also apply for these separation incentives. However, employees who applied for, but declined participation in DRP 2.0, are not eligible for this offering of the Deferred Resignation Program in the Office of Research and Development [1].
To be eligible for the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), employees must be at least 50 years old with at least 20 years of service. Employees with at least 25 years of federal experience at any age are also eligible for VERA. However, certain groups such as credentialed inspectors, Criminal Investigation Division agents, criminal enforcement counselors, public health service officers, consultants, special government employees, rehired annuitants, and phased retirees are not eligible for these separation incentives [1].
The deadline for DRP 3.0 applications is July 25. Employees who received reduction-in-force notices in April, including those 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 [1].
In addition to the voluntary separation incentives, the EPA is offering lateral reassignment to employees in environmental justice positions. It is important to note that employees on administrative leave are still required to adhere to federal ethics laws and regulations [1].
The House Appropriations Committee is moving ahead with a spending bill that would cut the EPA's current $9.13 billion budget by 23% next year. The EPA's fiscal 2026 budget proposal calls for a 54% cut to current spending levels, cutting nearly 1,300 positions from its workforce [1].
The EPA is also shutting down the National Environmental Museum and is planning to move personnel out of the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington, D.C. by this summer and relocate them to other nearby office buildings [1]. Employees in the EPA's Office of Mission Support, Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, and Office of Research and Development are eligible to apply for DRP 3.0 [1].
However, certain 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 [1]. The EPA Press Secretary Carolyn Holran confirmed the agency notified staff about DRP 3.0 [1]. Retiring employees must separate from the EPA no later than Dec. 31 [1].
[1] Source: News article 1 [2] Source: News article 2
- The third round of voluntary separation incentives by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is aimed at reimagining the federal workforce, particularly in the Office of Research and Development, by offering programs like the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) 3.0.
- Employees in the EPA with expertise in environmental-science may find the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) an attractive option, given the eligibility Criteria of at least 50 years of age and 20 years of service.
- As part of the budgeting process, the House Appropriations Committee has proposed a 23% reduction in the EPA's current budget, which could significantly impact personal-finance and budgeting plans for EPA employees.
- The EPA's ongoing efforts to manage workforce levels and restructure its organization extend to office space as well, with plans to move personnel from the Ronald Reagan Building to other nearby office buildings this summer.
