More than 40% of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) workforce has been classified as nonessential, according to internal documents reviewed by The Hill, signaling the potential for large-scale layoffs. Of the agency’s 15,994 positions, only 9,004 are currently considered essential.
The total includes about 1,300 employees on leave due to accepting the “Fork in the Road” buyout or holding positions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion—roles the Trump administration aims to eliminate.
A DOE spokesperson said no final decisions have been made and that multiple workforce plans are still under review to align operations with administration priorities.
Essential units include the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Office of Cybersecurity, and several regional power administrations. However, the document did not list which offices are deemed nonessential.
The looming cuts are part of a broader federal workforce reduction, with similar plans at Health and Human Services and Veterans Affairs. Some previous layoffs, including those at DOE, were later reversed.
Democrats criticized the proposal, warning it could harm national security and raise energy costs. “These dangerous cuts should not transpire,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in a joint statement.
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