|
MEDIA ADVISORY June 04, 2025 |
Contact: Aaron Bharucha, Public Relations Associate epn-press@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org, (509) 429-1699 |
EPN Opposes OPM Proposal That Threatens Scientific Integrity and Career Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Network (EPN) has submitted formal comments strongly opposing the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the creation of a new “Schedule Policy/Career” (Schedule P/C) classification within the federal civil service.
In its comments, EPN strongly urges OPM to withdraw the proposal, citing serious legal, structural, and operational concerns.
Key Points from EPN’s Comments:
- Unlawful and Extreme: The proposal represents an unprecedented and legally unsound reordering of the civil service, misapplying statutory definitions of “policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating” roles to justify broad new hiring and firing authorities.
- Overly Broad Scope: The proposed rule could impact a substantial portion of the federal workforce, threatening the nonpartisan character of public service.
- Lack of Justification: OPM fails to provide credible evidence of widespread resistance or poor performance among civil servants that would necessitate such a fundamental change.
- Chilling Effect on Expertise: By weakening civil service protections, the proposal would deter career employees from offering candid, expert advice critical to informed policymaking.
- Opens Door to Politicization: The plan invites arbitrary and politicized personnel actions, undermining government effectiveness and integrity.
- Redundant and Harmful: Existing performance management systems already allow for accountability. This rule would harm recruitment and retention, particularly in specialized scientific and technical fields.
EPN concludes that the Schedule P/C proposal is fatally flawed and should not be adopted.
###
ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NETWORK
Founded in 2017, the Environmental Protection Network harnesses the expertise of more than 650 former EPA career staff and confirmation-level appointees from Democratic and Republican administrations to provide the unique perspective of former scientists and regulators with decades of historical and subject matter knowledge.