The Energy Department on Monday reinstated a program that would give staffers a chance to voluntarily leave before the administration’s mandatory cuts take place, according to a memo obtained by POLITICO’s E&E News.
In a memo to staff, Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted that President Donald Trump on Feb. 11 signed an executive order that requires agency heads to promptly prepare to initiate large-scale reductions in force.
“This is a difficult but necessary effort to make government more efficient and accountable. In conducting any such exercise, it is important to consider how optimization initiatives could impact DOE personnel,” said Wright.
“Therefore, to mitigate the effect of potential involuntary separations, I am immediately instituting a DOE Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), which allows for employees to take needed time for future planning while continuing to be paid through the designated period.”
Wright said that under the proposal, which is consistent with the administration’s early “fork in the road” email, the effective date for resignations is no later than Sept. 30, and workers must retire by Dec. 31.
DOE staffers will have until about noon on Tuesday, April 8, to respond to the offer, said Wright. Certain public safety, national security, law enforcement and other essential employees may not be eligible to participate.
Wright said workers interested in the email should submit an opt-in form. Upon acceptance, they will be placed on administrative leave through the end of the deferred resignation period. During that time, they will continue to be paid, accrue leave, earn benefits and receive other benefits.
DOE did not immediately respond when asked for comment.
