Opinion ID: 599115
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Employees' Interest

Text: 22 Appellants characterize the burden the OGE/EPA regulation imposes on their speech as severe because it is nothing short of an economic bar to speech. Appellees dispute the severity of the regulation's burden on free speech, arguing that the strength of appellants' First Amendment interest is greatly reduced because the regulation allows them to speak whenever and on whatever topics they choose [299 U.S.App.D.C. 311] and merely prohibits EPA employees from accepting expense reimbursement. We find merit in this argument. As appellees correctly note, the OGE/EPA regulation does not prohibit speech in any way. EPA employees may speak now, as before, on whatever topics they choose. The rule only forbids EPA employees to obtain reimbursement from non-federal sources for speaking or writing in an unofficial capacity about their official duties or on the responsibilities, policies and programs of the agency. 5 C.F.R. § 2636.202(b). Although restricting reimbursement for unofficial speech does implicate the First Amendment, we cannot agree with appellants that the OGE/EPA regulation imposes a severe burden on the First Amendment rights of EPA employees. Rather, we view the burden in this regard as moderate, though not insignificant. 5