On April 29, I participated in my first public protest. Despite chilly temperatures and drizzle, an estimated 5,000 people showed up for the People’s Climate April in Chicago. I probably wouldn't have done it if a friend hadn't insisted, but am glad I did.
On April 29, I participated in my first public protest. Despite chilly temperatures and drizzle, an estimated 5,000 people showed up for the People’s Climate April in Chicago. I probably wouldn't have done it if a friend hadn't insisted, but am glad I did.

And that is ... ? Salary increases aren’t making up for ground lost to Great Recession salary freezes, cuts, and furloughs.

As usual, EPA Region 5 – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin – represented the largest group of respondents. Is it because of our helpful and humble Midwestern nature or because Public Works magazine is located in Chicago? Whatever the reason, it’s been the case for each of our 11 annual surveys.

Hundreds of Region 5 employees could lose their job if the White House’s 2018 budget proposal passes. The Trump administration believes that maintaining regional offices to help states interpret and enforce air and water pollution regulations is an unnecessary duplication of effort that wastes money. EPA is expected to announce two regional office closures by June 15.

People are so creative! This was my favorite poster.
People are so creative! This was my favorite poster.

Headquartered in Chicago, Region 5 is on the list because the budget eliminates the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a 2010 Obama administration program. Region 7, headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, would assume responsibility for six states in addition to Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, making it the nation’s largest regional office.

I can’t confirm the second regional office. However, if plans for another major regional effort are an indication, Region 3 could be in trouble: The Chesapeake Bay Program Office would lose virtually all of its $74 million in federal funding.

We’ll have to wait and see. What do you think of the administration’s strategy? How necessary are the regional offices? Is the administration’s reasoning sound? Or do you have more-pressing concerns? E-mail [email protected].