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- EPA eliminates its core science division, cutting 3,700+ jobs
- $748.8 million savings claimed through restructuring
- New applied science office replaces independent research arm
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Essential Context
The Environmental Protection Agency has dissolved its Office of Research and Development, the primary science division responsible for environmental and health protections. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling enabling federal workforce reductions under the President Trump administration.
Core Players
- Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) – Union representing EPA staff
- Justin Chen – AFGE Council 238 President
- Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions – New EPA science division
Key Numbers
- 12,448 – New EPA workforce target (down 23% from January)
- $748.8M – Projected savings from restructuring
- 1,540 – Positions in eliminated Research and Development Office
- 3,201 – Employees applying for early retirement
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The Catalyst
“This reduction in force will ensure we can better fulfill that mission while being responsible stewards of your hard-earned tax dollars,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated. The move follows a Supreme Court decision allowing federal workforce reductions.
The President Trump administration has prioritized shrinking federal agencies since taking office, with the EPA workforce dropping from 16,155 to 12,448 employees.
Inside Forces
The Office of Research and Development, established to provide independent scientific analysis, will be replaced by the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions. This new division will focus on “solutions-oriented” research aligned with specific environmental programs.
Over 3,200 employees have already applied for early retirement or deferred resignation programs, with 280 environmental justice staff receiving layoff notices earlier this year.
Power Dynamics
The restructuring shifts scientific authority from a dedicated research division to program offices focused on air, water, and other specific environmental areas. Critics argue this undermines the EPA’s ability to conduct unbiased, long-term research.
AFGE President Justin Chen called the Research and Development Office “the heart and brain of the EPA,” warning its elimination would “devastate public health in our country.”
Outside Impact
Environmental groups and scientists fear reduced capacity to assess health risks from pollutants and climate change. The move aligns with broader President Trump administration efforts to reduce federal regulatory oversight.
Union representatives emphasize the human cost, with thousands of scientists and support staff losing positions during an already challenging economic period.
Future Forces
The new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions will prioritize research directly supporting EPA enforcement actions. This could limit studies on emerging environmental issues not immediately tied to regulatory priorities.
Long-term implications include potential gaps in environmental monitoring and reduced ability to address complex scientific challenges like microplastics or PFAS contamination.
Data Points
- January 2025: EPA workforce peaks at 16,155
- July 2025: Final RIF notices issued for Research and Development Office
- $748.8M: Savings claimed through workforce reduction
- 1,155: Potential scientist layoffs from research division
- 3,201: Early retirement applications received
The EPA’s restructuring marks a fundamental shift in how federal environmental science is conducted. While the agency claims improved efficiency, critics warn of lasting damage to public health protections and scientific integrity.
