EPA workers must return to office, says boss

Daily Report February 18,2025

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The Environmental Protection Agency is set to end its remote work policy, as announced by Administrator Lee Zeldin on Tuesday. This move aligns with the current administration’s broader initiative to return federal workers to their physical office locations.

Taking to his X platform, Zeldin shared a video message expressing gratitude to employees who have maintained an in-person presence while addressing the need for all staff members to return to the workplace.

“To the dedicated employees who have been showing up to the office every day, thank you,” he said. “Your commitment to our mission does not go unnoticed.

“To all the other great members of the team, it’s time to return to the office, to partner, collaborate, and to deliver.”

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On Mondays and Fridays all of last year, @EPA HQs only had 8.9% daily attendance. Not under @POTUS’ watch.

It’s time for our talented staff to return to work in the office full-time.

Part of being good stewards of tax dollars means showing up every day to do our job. pic.twitter.com/4A7m0B1BVo

— Lee Zeldin (@epaleezeldin) February 18, 2025

The administrator drew attention to concerning attendance statistics, revealing that EPA headquarters has seen single-digit occupancy rates on Mondays and Fridays for more than a year. Even during peak attendance days, the facility only reached about one-third capacity.

According to Zeldin, the EPA’s expansive Washington, D.C., headquarters complex, which encompasses five buildings across two city blocks, currently stands largely unoccupied, with numerous empty workstations and cubicles.

Emphasizing the gravity of the agency’s role, Zeldin stated, “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.”

Lee Zeldin just explained what happened with the $20B he found stashed away in a slush fund.

This is a must watch! pic.twitter.com/0v1oDf0QMc

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 18, 2025