WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has authorized the use of an emergency leave transfer program (ELTP) for Federal employees adversely affected by the 2020 California Wildfires.

After coordinating with Federal agencies to assess the impact on employees adversely affected by the 2020 California Wildfires, OPM, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), has determined that the establishment of an ELTP is warranted. The establishment of an ELTP in response to the 2020 California Wildfires will help assist over 11,900 Federal employees at 28 Federal departments and agencies located in the affected areas of California.

In the event of a major disaster or emergency as declared by the President that results in severe adverse effects for a substantial number of Federal employees, OPM, in consultation with OMB, may establish an emergency leave transfer program. An ELTP permits employees in the executive and judicial branches or agency leave banks established 5 U.S.C. 6363 to donate unused leave for transfer to employees within their agency or at other agencies who are severely affected by an emergency and who need additional time off from work without having to use their own paid leave.