E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm
Source: New York Times
E.P.A. Says It Will Eliminate Its Scientific Research Arm
The decision comes after a Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trump administration to slash the federal work force and dismantle agencies.
By Lisa Friedman and Maxine Joselow
Reporting from Washington
July 18, 2025
Updated 7:06 p.m. ET
The Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday that it would eliminate its scientific research arm and begin firing hundreds of chemists, biologists, toxicologists and other scientists, after denying for months that it intended to do so. … The move underscores how the Trump administration is forging ahead with efforts to slash the federal work force and dismantle federal agencies after the Supreme Court allowed these plans to proceed while legal challenges unfold. Government scientists have been particular targets of the administration's large-scale layoffs.
The decision to dismantle the E.P.A.'s Office of Research and Development had been widely expected since March, when a leaked document that called for eliminating the office was first reported by The New York Times. But until Friday, the Trump administration maintained that no final decisions had been made.
The E.P.A.'s science office provides the independent research that underpins nearly all of the agency's policies and regulations. It has analyzed the risks of hazardous chemicals, the impact of wildfire smoke on public health and the contamination of drinking water by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Its research has often justified stricter environmental rules, prompting pushback from chemical manufacturers and other industries.
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The E.P.A. plans to hold a "town hall" for staff members in the science office on Monday afternoon, according to a Friday evening email from Maureen Gwinn, the acting head of the office, a copy of which was reviewed by The New York Times. … "I understand that this announcement may bring uncertainty and concern," Dr. Gwinn wrote. "While I don't have all the details yet, I am actively working to gather more information." … She concluded the email with a reminder: "Please remember to take care of yourselves."
Lisa Friedman is a Times reporter who writes about how governments are addressing climate change and the effects of those policies on communities.
Maxine Joselow reports on climate policy for The Times.
Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/climate/epa-firings-scientific-research.html
Hat tip, Joe.My.God.
https://www.joemygod.com/2025/07/epa-to-shutter-scientific-research-division-and-fire-hundreds-of-chemists-biologists-and-toxicologists/
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