Acting EPA Administrator Directs Staff To Halt Outside Communications

Acting EPA Administrator James Payne has issued a Jan. 24 directive ordering all EPA staff to stop all communications with external parties pending further instructions, with a few exceptions for communications with state and federal agencies, discussions regarding imports, and facility inspections, according to a source familiar with the email. In a statement, an EPA spokesperson confirmed the directive. “As part of standard transition procedures, most major decisions are undergoing a quick review process to ensure transparency and accountability to...