Woman holding a pink letter with the words Layoff Notice printed in large letters.

Massive federal job cuts threaten key energy and climate programs

A wave of federal agency layoffs expected under President Trump is drawing opposition from energy experts and former officials who warn the cuts will weaken U.S. energy infrastructure and public health protections.

Lisa Friedman reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • Major layoffs at the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, and Department of the Interior are expected as part of Trump administration plans, with critics warning they will impair energy and environmental programs.
  • Industry leaders and state officials are appealing to agency heads by emphasizing threats to energy security, rather than focusing on climate change, in an effort to align with the administration’s messaging.
  • Key targets include the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations and the Loan Program Office, which have backed new nuclear projects, lithium mining, and grid modernization.

Key quote:

“Your persistent assault on career civil servants threatens public health and will make it impossible for EPA to fulfill its mission ‘to protect human health and the environment.”

— U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey

Why this matters:

Gutting the federal workforce that supports energy and environmental programs won’t just slow progress on climate. Much of the technical research, data analysis, and implementation support for public health and environmental safety flows from agencies like the EPA and Department of Energy. Without them, states lack the expertise and resources to assess drinking water for toxic chemicals like PFAS or to manage soil and air contamination at cleanup sites. These cuts also jeopardize efforts to modernize the energy grid and deploy newer technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture, which are often touted as solutions to America’s rising energy demand. The consequences ripple outward: layoffs at federal agencies could mean slower permitting, stalled infrastructure upgrades, and setbacks in addressing pollution.

Learn more: Trump’s workforce cuts threaten climate protection in national parks

A huge tornado touches down on the horizon of a green plain.
Credit: Photo by Greg Johnson on Unsplash

New storms pound the South as families mourn lost lives and homes

A string of deadly tornadoes has devastated parts of Kentucky and Missouri, and more severe storms are on the way, threatening already hard-hit communities with hail, flooding, and extreme heat.

Matthew Brown and Carolyn Kaster report for the Associated Press.

Keep reading...Show less
Homes in Florida perched on the edge of a beach dune eroded by a hurricane.

New FEMA chief says states must take the lead on disaster recovery this hurricane season

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will shift more responsibility for disaster response and recovery to states ahead of the 2025 hurricane season, according to its acting chief.

Gabriela Aoun Angueira reports for The Associated Press.

Keep reading...Show less
aerial photography of grass field with blue solar panels.

Republicans aim to slash green energy tax credits despite risk of higher bills and job losses

New research shows that House Republicans’ plan to roll back clean energy tax credits could raise utility costs and cut household incomes nationwide, hitting both red and blue states.

Dharna Noor reports for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
Man cleaning solar panels on a roof.

Clean energy jobs put Arizona Republican at odds with GOP plan to gut climate law

An Arizona congressman faces pressure from both Trump and his voters as clean energy projects flourish in his district thanks to a law the GOP wants to dismantle.

James Bikales reports for POLITICO.

Keep reading...Show less
Man in yellow safety vest and hard hat standing on a roof with solar panels.

House Republicans push to end solar tax breaks, putting rooftop systems out of reach for many

For nearly 20 years, federal tax credits have helped homeowners afford rooftop solar panels, but a new House proposal would end those incentives at the close of 2025, potentially stalling solar growth and driving up energy costs for families.

Tik Root reports for Grist.

Keep reading...Show less
A view of a nuclear tower looking up through the top opening.

Trump aims to tighten White House grip on nuclear regulation

The White House is considering executive orders that would reshape nuclear oversight by curbing the independence of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and expanding control through the Department of Energy.

Francisco "A.J." Camacho reports for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
LNG tanker with bright yellow tanks viewed from above.

Major insurer drops coverage for Louisiana LNG project amid pollution concerns

An insurance giant has stopped backing a liquefied natural gas terminal in southwest Louisiana that has drawn sustained criticism from residents and environmental advocates over its health and climate impacts.

Keerti Gopal reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.