EPA Plans Workforce Reduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Friday that it intends to reduce its workforce by 23% and close its research and development offices. This decision means a loss of over 3,000 jobs, following layoffs and voluntary exit incentives that have been part of the broader strategy to streamline the federal government’s operations under the Trump administration.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin remarked that, “Under President Trump’s guidance, the EPA has evaluated its operations, ensuring that its agents are better equipped than before, and reaffirmed its core mission to support a strong recovery while safeguarding human health and the environment.” He added, “This reduction will enhance our ability to fulfill that mission and remain accountable for taxpayer dollars.”

The agency estimates these cuts will lead to approximately $748.8 million in savings for the government.

In a significant reshuffle, the EPA plans to focus more on research, creating a new office for applied science environmental solutions as a replacement for the current Research and Development Bureau.

This move follows a Supreme Court ruling intended to guide the administration on approaching substantial layoffs.

Justin Chen, representing thousands of EPA staff as the chairman of the U.S. Government Employees Federation Council 238, called the R&D office “the mind and brain of the EPA.” He emphasized that without it, assessing human health and environmental impact will be nearly impossible. Chen expressed concerns about the broader implications of these cuts.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the EPA for further comments.

The announcement also arrives shortly after a group of 139 employees expressed their dissent in a “declaration of objections,” stating that the administration is undermining the agency’s mission. The Trump administration has countered these claims, alleging that certain employees were “illegally undermining” its agenda.