EPA Administrator Zeldin’s Message to Agency Staff: “It’s Time to Return to the Office”
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin released a video on social media urging staff to return to full-time work in the office.
“To the dedicated employees who have been showing up to the office every day, thank you! Your commitment to our mission does not go unnoticed. To all of the other great members of the team, it’s time to return to the office. To partner. To collaborate. And to deliver,” said Administrator Zeldin.
“Our spacious, beautiful EPA Headquarters spans two city blocks in DC across five buildings, but our hallways have been too vacant, desks are empty, and cubicles are filled with unoccupied chairs. The American people rely on every single one of us to protect their access to clean air, land, and water. Our mission of protecting human health and the environment is far too important for any of us to ever come up short,” continued Administrator Zeldin.
Since January 2024, the highest single-day attendance rate for the agency was a mere 37%. On Mondays and Fridays, attendance averaged 8.9%. EPA is working to diligently implement President Trump’s executive orders, including Return to In Person Work. EPA employees are beginning to return to agency worksites full-time on February 24, 2025.