The Interior Department has unveiled plans to reduce its employee count by over 2,000 positions across various agencies. This reduction-in-force (RIF) initiative, while not directly linked to the ongoing government shutdown, has surfaced amid a legal dispute with labor unions. The announcement was made through a court filing on October 20, 2025, revealing details of the layoffs.
Details of the Planned Layoffs
According to the court documents, the RIF is set to impact at least 2,050 jobs. However, this number may not capture the complete scope of the planned cuts, as the disclosed positions are currently protected by a federal judge’s temporary restraining order. Specific cuts across various agencies include:
- 474 positions in the Bureau of Land Management
- 12 positions in the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
- 30 positions in the Bureau of Reclamation
- 7 positions in the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
- 143 positions in the Fish and Wildlife Service
- 272 positions in the National Park Service
- 7 positions in the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
- 770 positions at Interior headquarters and Interior Business Center
- 335 positions in the U.S. Geological Survey
Context Behind the Reductions
These layoffs have been part of a strategic effort by the Interior Department to streamline operations since the beginning of the year. Rachel Borra, the chief human capital officer, stated that the cuts were aimed at enhancing efficiency. Notably, these plans were in motion prior to any funding lapses, indicating that they were not a direct response to the current government shutdown.
The American Federation of Government Employees and other unions have filed a lawsuit against these planned reductions, asserting that they are unjustified and harmful to essential federal services. The recent court filings have revealed that the potential cuts involve positions across 89 competitive areas, a significant increase from earlier estimates of 68 areas.
Impact on Workforce and Services
The planned layoffs are expected to particularly affect field operations. This includes significant staffing cuts in the Bureau of Land Management’s offices in states like Oregon, Washington, and California. The National Park Service will also face drastic reductions, with up to 31% of positions cut in the Southeast region and nearly 28% in the Northeast region.
Environmental advocacy groups warn that these layoffs would severely impair scientific research that is crucial for various sectors, including energy and transportation. Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities, expressed concerns that this move could undermine the foundational scientific research upon which many American industries rely.
Conclusion
While the Interior Department’s plan to lay off over 2,000 employees is currently halted, it highlights ongoing challenges within federal agencies. The outcome of the labor disputes and subsequent decisions will play a critical role in shaping the future of these vital public services.
