Pay & Benefits

Low Pay Remains the Largest Barrier to Federal Wildland Firefighter Recruitment, GAO Says

Although the Biden administration has taken multiple steps to boost compensation for federal firefighters, the government watchdog agency reports those measures are both not enough to compete with state and local governments and only temporary.

Defense

Army: Renovating Moldy Barracks is Just the Beginning of Prepping for Climate Change

While the Army works to improve and renovate facilities across the globe, it feels it’s built “solid” against climate impacts to come.

Oversight

The House Republican Plan to Slash One of Democrats’ Signature Laws

Lawmakers set to lead key committees when the GOP takes control of the chamber say they are looking at ways to drain funding from climate initiatives and other Inflation Reduction Act programs.

Tech

GSA Tests Energy Tech to Achieve Federal Sustainability Goals

The agency is looking at solar tracking, off-grid mobile charging and carbon pollution-free electricity to meet goals set in a December 2021 executive order.

Defense

The Army's Climate Plan Relies on Technology That Doesn’t Exist Yet

The most “complex” aspect of the implementation plan is “building a force to operate in the future that still has to operate in the present,” officials said.

Management

Climate-Based Trainings and Performance Plans Are Coming for Federal Employees

The Biden administration wants a workforce capable of helping it meet its sustainability goals.

Defense

‘We Need to Own the Heat The Way We Now Own Night,’ Pentagon Climate Expert Says

Tactical cooling vests and other adaptations will be needed as dangerous temperatures arrive on training ranges and in combat zones.

Oversight

Senate Approves Democrats' Sweeping Climate and Health Bill

The legislation would unlock billions in new grants for states and local governments. But some lament its lack of help on housing and other issues. It will next go to the House.

Management

IRS Hiring Surge, USPS Electric Vehicle Funding and Other Takeaways From the Democrats' New Agreement

Many agencies across government would see a funding surge under an agreement struck on Wednesday by Democratic senators.

Tech

The Biden Administration Unveils a Website to Help Combat Extreme Heat Conditions

Heat.gov includes interactive maps, forecasts and other resources to help officials and the general public cope with high temperatures.

Oversight

19 U.S. Diplomatic Posts Receive Grants for Their Sustainable Ideas

A State Department program awards up to $1 million to assist U.S. embassies and consulates for their innovative solutions to environmental problems.

Management

The Supreme Court Deals a Major Blow to the EPA, and All Agencies

The court's conservative majority limits agencies' capacity to write new rules on major issues.

Pay & Benefits

The Biden Team Announces Pay Raises of Up to $20,000 Annually for Federal Firefighters

The pay increases, authorized as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law, will be retroactive to October 2021.

Oversight

HHS Launches an Environmental Justice Office

Environmental justice is a cornerstone policy of the Biden administration.

Management

Navy Climate Strategy Lacks Specifics for Reducing Largest Energy Emissions Producers

Climate change is “one of the most destabilizing forces of our time,” Assistant Navy Secretary Meredith Berger said.

Management

Worst-Case Scenario: Almost 13,000 Federal Facilities Could Be Harmed By Flooding

The Biden administration is looking at how the climate crisis will impact the federal budget and revenue.

Management

Lawmakers Are Ramping Up Pressure for the Postal Service to Go Electric

Democrats want an investigation and to cancel the Postal Service's vehicle contract unless it purchases more EVs.