DOGE plans to terminate Erlanger EPA facility lease

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to end the lease for an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. This facility, which is 20,000 square feet in size, houses important emergency response equipment. Greg Powell, a long-time employee at the Erlanger facility, expressed concerns about the potential impact of this decision. He highlighted that the facility plays a crucial role in responding to emergencies like train derailments or pipeline breaks. If the lease is terminated, response capabilities in the Midwest and South could be severely affected. Currently, the lease costs $464,061 annually, and ending it could save the government about $889,450. However, Powell warns that the distance to the other facilities in New Jersey and Nevada could increase emergency response times from a few hours to over 12 hours. He believes this delay could jeopardize public safety and the safety of first responders. Powell also questioned whether terminating the lease would truly save money. He noted that relocating equipment from Erlanger could lead to higher costs and operational challenges. The EPA stated they are working with the General Services Administration to ensure that essential functions of the facility are maintained, regardless of the lease's status.