Agency Backs Off `Conflict’ Orders

The Batt administration’s environmental protection agency has backed off a directive to employees against joining pro-environmental groups.

But some of the nearly 400 workers in the Division of Environmental Quality fear the reprieve will only be short-lived in the agency that is adapting to Gov. Phil Batt’s more cooperative approach toward industry.

A Feb. 15 computer memo to employees said they were required to report any potential conflicts of interest or face “disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal.”