A newly introduced bill aims to prevent further reductions in force and layoffs at public land management agencies until after 2030 due to the adverse effects it has had on public land management. The Public Lands Workforce Stability Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, would put back in place the ban on reduction in force programs until 2030. Since the Trump administration started its second term, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has lost 25% of its workforce, and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has lost about 16%.
“At a time when our public lands and nearby communities are struggling with water, climate, and wildfire crises, we cannot afford to lose any more expertise,” said Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA), who sponsored the bill.
With fewer staff, there are concerns that DOI and the USFS will be unable to fulfill their missions and address threats like wildfires and continue projects related to wildlife habitat.
“Extreme weather conditions, drought and unprecedented fire risk, coupled with staffing shortages across the Interior Department and Forest Service, have placed our public lands and the civil servants that protect them in a dangerous position—the consequences of which are real and immediate,” said Congressman Joe Neguse (D-CO).
TWS is committed to advocating for our members and colleagues that continue to be affected by the federal workforce reductions and providing resources to support your professional and personal growth.
