The end of the year is typically a busy time for EPA, but last week’s announcements mark deliverables for an agency that is facing steep hurdles in its chemicals office.
Members of the watchdog organization Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility have been pushing for transparency and solutions regarding staffing shortages and low morale within EPA’s chemicals programs. Two OCSPP staffers confirmed to E&E News two weeks ago that the situation has grown untenable for many employees, who say the office lacks the subject matter experts necessary to do their jobs.
Freedhoff has publicly acknowledged some of these issues in statements before Congress, and staff said the Biden administration is aware of the problems.
