The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to disband the Scientific Research Bureau, often referred to as the Research and Development Agency, and has terminated some of its employees.
In a press release, the EPA stated, “Today, [the agency] announced a reduction in power (RIF) as part of overall restructuring efforts.” This is set to impact the Bureau of Research and Development.
An EPA representative shared with Hill via email that the agency intends to “eliminate the Research and Development Agency (ORD).”
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean all scientific research conducted by the institution will cease.
Previously, the agency mentioned that some scientific functions would be transitioning to a new office, the Office of Applied Science Environmental Solutions (OASE). While ORD operated independently within the EPA, the new office will be located within the administrator’s office.
The EPA indicated in May that this new science office aims to “coordinate research and prioritize science in providing technical assistance to the nation.”
Critics have raised concerns that positioning science under the administrator’s office could make it easier for political influences to impact scientific integrity.
The EPA explained that dissolving the ORD is part of its goal to “enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, ensuring alignment between statutory requirements and the organizational structure.”
As for the impact on staff, it’s unclear how many employees were affected by this announcement made on Friday afternoon.
According to a previous release, the agency’s workforce shrank from 16,155 employees in January to 12,448. Out of these, 3,201 transitioned elsewhere and another 280 were terminated in an effort to remove individuals not fully committed to addressing pollution in underserved or minority communities.
Currently, there are still 226 employees, but it’s uncertain whether this number will change following the recent decisions.
When asked for clarification, an EPA spokesperson mentioned that this process is ongoing, which might affect the final number of employees ultimately let go.
“This power reduction will enable us to better fulfill our mission while being accountable for taxpayers’ money,” EPA administrator Lee Zeldin expressed in a statement.
Updated at 4:30pm
