EPA mandates approval from Musk's DOGE for spending over $50K
What's the story
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US, has issued new guidance directing that spending on items greater than $50,000 now need approval from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The guidance, issued this week, escalates the role that the new efficiency group plays in EPA operations.
According to the guidelines, any assistance agreement, contract, or interagency agreement transaction valued at $50,000 or greater must receive approval from an EPA DOGE team member.
Information
EPA staff to submit daily funding action summaries
To facilitate the DOGE review, EPA staff members have been directed to submit a brief, one-page explanation of each funding action every day between 3:00pm and 6:00pm Eastern Time (ET). The requirement is part of the new guidelines issued by the agency.
Presidential backing
Trump supports DOGE's role in federal spending cuts
President Donald Trump has tasked DOGE with digging up what he and Musk call waste, fraud, and abuse.
He suggested that Cabinet members and agency leaders would take the lead on spending and staffing cuts, but he said Musk could push harder down the line.
"If they can cut, it's better," Trump said of agency leaders. "And if they don't cut, then Elon will do the cutting."
Criticism
Senator raises concerns over new EPA directive
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has called the new EPA directive "troubling."
He said that routine grants and contracts, such as those for air and water quality monitoring, hazardous waste disposal, and municipal recycling programs, will face unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
Whitehouse also criticized Musk's team, saying they are "unvetted" and inexperienced in environmental science and policy.
He warned that allowing unskilled, self-proclaimed experts to influence funding decisions could compromise public health and environmental protections.