Government

Trump Wants Nondisclosure Agreements for Federal Employees

As if it’s not already hard enough for reporters to talk to civil servants, the Trump administration wants all federal government employees to sign a nondisclosure agreement that could cost them their jobs if they do. The new WatchDog Opinion column spotlights the dangers of such a policy and details the widespread opposition it has engendered.

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Trump Unit Seeks To Stomp Out All Fires Quickly, Reviving Old Policy

"The deaths of three U.S. government firefighters in a Colorado wildfire are casting a spotlight on the Trump administration’s creation of a new federal fire service and its revival of a previously discredited policy to stomp out all wildfires quickly."

Source: AP, 07/02/2026

EPA Plans Roundtable On “Safety Challenges” Of Paraquat Weed Killer

"The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Tuesday that it will host a roundtable to hear from scientists, farmworkers, community advocates, and others to discuss the “documented safety challenges associated with the chemical,” and explore “potential solutions and alternatives.”"

Source: The New Lede, 07/02/2026

U.S. to Overhaul Radiation Safety Rules to Spur Nuclear Expansion

"The Nuclear Regulatory Commission plans to end longstanding guidance that radiation exposure be “as low as reasonably achievable.”"

Source: New York Times, 07/02/2026

Seven Former EPA Workers File Lawsuits Alleging Unjust Firings

"Seven former EPA workers on Tuesday joined a growing list of employees suing the agency after they were fired for signing a public letter critical of the Trump administration."

Source: Bloomberg Environment, 07/01/2026

After Bold Pledge, EPA Shelves Microplastics Testing In Drinking Water

"For the next five years, the Environmental Protection Agency has indicated it will not require public water utilities to test for microplastics or pharmaceuticals in drinking water, according to a proposed rule published in the Federal Register."

Source: Los Angeles Times, 07/01/2026

Court Hands Trump New Power Over Independent Agencies Overseeing Energy

"A nearly century-old precedent that has been in conservatives’ cross-hairs for years met its demise Monday, when the Supreme Court ruled to limit the independence of agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission."

Source: E&E News, 07/01/2026

Tribes Join to Secure Rights to Colorado Water, but 4 States Stall Deal

"A deal to bring Colorado River water to Native American communities in northern Arizona, where a third of homes lack running water, is being blocked by neighboring states, caught up in a broader battle over how to divide the dwindling river."

Source: ProPublica/KJZZ, 06/30/2026

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