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Dravis, Samantha[dravis.samantha@epa.gov] POLITICO Pro Energy Whiteboard Wed 9/20/2017 2:50:54 PM Amid leak crackdown, EPA air employees receive instructions on guarding sensitive info
By Emily Holden
09/20/2017 10:48 AM EDT
Staffers within EPA's Air Office are expected to complete an hour-long webinar today about protecting classified information, as the White House aims to crack down on leaks and has directed all agencies to conduct the training.
A Tuesday email from the Air Office's human resources director obtained by POLITICO explains that many but not all Air Office personnel have access to either classified information or controlled unclassified information, such as about critical infrastructure or confidential business information. It said "the White House has tasked federal agencies with reinforcing key concepts in the handling and protecting of this information."
One source at EPA said employees already receive annual training on handling sensitive materials and rarely have access to classified information.
In an earlier email POLITICO reviewed, Donna J. Vizian, acting assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Administration and Resources Management, explained that the White House on Sept. 8 directed all agencies to hold leak-limiting training during this week.
Buzzfeed reported that National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster sent the request along with '"[s]uggested training materials," including videos of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' August news conference about leaks and a Fox News interview with the director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
The Air Office email said the improper disclosure of sensitive information "can have serious consequences to national security." But it notes that whistleblowers are protected if they disclose illegal conduct, a waste of funds or threats to the public.
EPA's press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
To view online'. https://www.politicopro.com/energy/whiteboard/2017/09/amid-leak-crackdown-epa-airemployees-receive-instructions-on-guarding-sensitive-info-093199
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