"The Army Corps of Engineers and the Interior Department are losing permit writers and experts central to the president’s agenda." 

"President Donald Trump’s gutting of federal agencies could undermine his pro-fossil-fuel agenda as permit writers and energy experts head for the exit in droves, current and former government employees say.

Agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers and the Interior Department now have fewer people to review permit applications and roll back regulations seen as burdensome to the energy industry. While the Trump administration says it can accelerate project approvals by using artificial intelligence and emergency procedures, the loss of federal experts could slow down environmental reviews required for starting projects.

“We just sent an enormous amount of brain power packing through the deferred resignation program and natural retirements,” Steve Tryon, who directs Interior’s Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance, said during a webinar last week. “[It] struck our most senior levels … [and] our newest employees as well.”"

Miranda Willson and Hannah Northey report for E&E News July 2, 2025. [2]