EPA Slashes 23 Percent of Its Workforce, Eliminating Scientific Research Arm

The Environmental Protection Agency said it plans to create a new office that will allow EPA to prioritize research and science ‘more than ever before.’

The Environmental Protection Agency in Washington on Jan. 4, 2024. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on July 18 that it will cut about 23 percent of its workforce and eliminate its research and development office as part of the agency’s restructuring effort.

The agency stated that it expects its workforce to shrink from 16,155 employees to 12,448, noting that many have opted to resign through voluntary early retirement and a deferred resignation program.

The layoffs will affect the Research and Development Office, according to the EPA’s statement. The agency said the restructuring effort is expected to help it save about $748.8 million after completion.

The EPA said it plans to create an Applied Science and Environmental Solutions Office that will enable it to focus on research and science “more than ever before,” placing those functions “at the forefront of rulemakings and technical assistance to states.”

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the reorganization is intended to ensure the agency is “better equipped than ever“ to deliver on its ”core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback” under the Trump administration.

“This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars,” he said.

The Office of Research and Development functions as the EPA’s scientific research arm, according to the agency’s website. The office carries out “leading-edge research” that “informs agency decisions and supports the emerging needs of EPA stakeholders, including the agency’s state, tribal, and community partners,” it states.

Critics said cutting the office’s workforce will affect the EPA’s ability to respond to those risks properly.

Rep. Valerie Foushee (D-N.C.) said on March 18 that the office is “vital to understanding and addressing environmental risks.”

“The Trump Administration’s plan to dissolve the EPA’s Office of Research and Development and lay-off over 1,000 scientists is yet another step in their scheme to fully gut this agency,” Foushee said.

The EPA had previously announced that it planned to enhance its scientific and research efforts within program offices to address its “statutory obligations and mission essential functions,” particularly within its air, water, and chemical offices, according to a statement.

The announcement followed the Supreme Court’s decision on July 8 to lift a lower court ruling that had blocked the Trump administration from proceeding with mass layoffs of federal workers and an overhaul of federal agencies.

Aside from the EPA, the State Department has also announced plans to proceed with restructuring efforts following the Supreme Court ruling. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on July 10 that the reorganization plan is now “moving into implementation” but declined to provide a specific timeline for when layoffs will occur.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.