The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant reorganization effort that will see the elimination of its Office of Research and Development and the removal of thousands of positions. The announcement on Friday came as part of a broader initiative to downsize the federal workforce, a move that was recently greenlit by the Supreme Court for President Donald Trump's administration.
The agency's Office of Research and Development, which serves as the EPA’s scientific research arm, is chiefly tasked with providing data and analysis to guide policy and decision-making. The EPA projects that the staffing reductions and structural changes will generate savings of approximately $748.8 million for taxpayers.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in a statement to the New York Post, asserted that these modifications will not only save money but also strengthen the agency's capacity to achieve its fundamental goal. "Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA has taken a close look at our operations to ensure the agency is better equipped than ever to deliver on our core mission of protecting human health and the environment while powering the Great American Comeback," Zeldin said.
He further noted that the reduction in force (RIF) will enable the EPA to be "responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars" and better fulfill its mission. Despite this, the agency has faced opposition from within its ranks, particularly from union leaders who argue that the cuts are detrimental to the agency's efficacy.
The restructuring plan includes the transfer of scientific expertise and research functions from the eliminated division to various program offices that will continue to handle statutory obligations and mission-essential tasks, such as ensuring clean air and water. Additionally, the EPA announced the creation of a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions, intended to focus research efforts more directly on rule-making and technical assistance to states.
However, Justin Chen, president of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 238, described the decision as "devastating," highlighting the Office of Research and Development's crucial role in evaluating health and environmental impacts. Chen warned that its elimination could severely harm public health in the United States.
Approximately 1,540 staff members currently employed across the Office of Research and Development's 10 nationwide facilities are at risk due to the cuts. An EPA spokesperson assured that laboratory functions currently managed by the office will persist even after the job reductions.
In a broader context, the downsizing aligns with the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to slash federal workforce size and reduce government expenditure. The EPA's planned cuts are among the most substantial in recent federal history, with the workforce expected to shrink by about 23%. Since January, more than 3,700 EPA employees have exited through resignation, early retirement, or layoffs. This will bring the EPA's workforce down from 16,155 at the beginning of President Trump's term to 12,448.
While EPA officials maintain that the restructuring will lead to a more efficient agency, critics argue that the move undermines the scientific foundation of the agency, potentially impairing its ability to protect the environment and public health. As the EPA proceeds with its plans, the long-term impact on environmental research and policy continues to stir intense debate among experts, employees, and health advocates.
