EPA cuts workforce by over 3,700 employees amid controversial restructuring

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced significant cuts to its staff and the closure of its Office of Research and Development as part of a broader campaign to streamline federal operations under the Trump administration. As of January 2025, the EPA employed 16,155 workers, but by mid-July, the agency had shrunk its workforce to about 12,448 employees, marking a reduction of approximately 23%. This represents the third round of mass layoffs aimed at addressing budget constraints and operational efficiency. The agency highlighted that the restructuring would lead to significant savings of roughly $748.8 million. The decision to dismantle the Office of Research and Development is particularly polarizing, as it housed more than 1,500 scientists responsible for critical environmental research spanning issues like toxic chemicals, climate change, and water pollution. The agency plans to establish a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions to absorb some functions of the research office, but critics argue that the severing of the existing research arm could compromise the EPA's ability to safeguard public health and the environment. This restructuring has drawn fierce backlash from scientists, environmental advocates, and labor organizations, underscoring fears about diminished scientific integrity and public health oversight. In a statement, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the cuts, stating that the reorganization would help the EPA better fulfill its mission and be more responsible with taxpayer dollars. However, external critics have voiced strong opinions against these measures, labeling the loss of the research office as a calamity for public health in the United States. Representative Zoe Lofgren, among others, claims that eliminating the research arm will lead to generational impacts on health and safety, reflecting the urgent concern among the expert community. The cuts and reorganization come amid a broader political push for deregulation and a shift in focus toward bolstering the fossil fuel industry. Internal reports had warned that drastic cuts were anticipated, foreshadowing critical job losses for many skilled scientists. Additionally, earlier this month, 139 EPA employees were placed on administrative leave for dissenting against the administration’s policies, which resulted in further concerns about the agency's current direction and leadership. Overall, the restructuring emphasizes the conflicting priorities within the administration regarding environmental regulation and government resource allocation. This paradigm shift in the EPA's operational strategy has raised questions about the future effectiveness of environmental protections and the agency's role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.