Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will close its Office of Research and Development and cut over 3,700 jobs. This change is part of a larger plan to focus on specific environmental issues through a new Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions and save nearly $750 million.
Key Facts
- The EPA is closing its Office of Research and Development, which provides scientific support for environmental protection.
- The closure will help focus efforts on specific environmental issues like air and water.
- A new department called the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions will be created.
- The changes are expected to save the EPA nearly $750 million.
- More than 3,700 jobs will be cut, reducing the total EPA workforce by about 23%.
- The job cuts follow a Supreme Court ruling allowing federal workforce downsizing.
- The research office had 1,540 positions, with up to 1,155 scientists possibly affected by layoffs.
- The EPA is also offering some employees an option to resign voluntarily by July 25.
